Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan') care guide
Hydrocotyle cf. tripartita ('Japan') · Araliaceae
Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan') (Hydrocotyle cf. tripartita ('Japan')) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is native to H. tripartita is native to south-eastern Australia & New Zealand; the aquarium plant's wild origin is uncertain. It needs medium light. Water temperature: 18°C – 28°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Growth rate: fast.
How do you care for Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan')?
| Light | Medium (strong light keeps it low and creeping; in weak light it climbs and gets leggy) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Helpful (mainly for a low, flat carpet) |
| Temperature | 18°C – 28°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Fore- and midground, woven around stones and wood |
| Growth | Fast |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Family | Araliaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan')?
Trim often, cutting upright shoots near the substrate so it spreads sideways; pressing the carpet down by hand during maintenance also keeps it compact. Replant cuttings and runners to propagate.
What problems affect Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan')?
Tall, sparse upright stems in weak light; smothers its neighbours because the runners grow so fast; melting after sudden changes in water parameters.
How do you fix Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan') problems?
Raise light and cut back upright shoots; trim often; keep water conditions stable.
Where does Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan') come from?
H. tripartita is native to south-eastern Australia & New Zealand; the aquarium plant's wild origin is uncertain (probably Australia) — "Japan" comes from its import route via Thailand (2008) and Japan (2010) · Biotope regions: Australia.
Sources
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants: Hydrocotyle tripartita R.Br. ex A.Rich. — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew / GBIF
- Hydrocotyle cf. tripartita — Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
- Hydrocotyle tripartita (plant details) — Tropica
- Hydrocotyle tripartita — Dennerle Plants
- Hydrocotyle Tripartita (Hydrocotyle Japan) — Buce Plant
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Hydrocotyle tripartita ('Japan')?
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