How to grow pennywort (Hydrocotyle) best? A detailed guide to the latest care methods
Pennywort is also known as South American pennywort, coin grass, round coin grass, shield-leaved pennywort, golden coin lotus, etc. Its leaves are round and shield-shaped, like a copper coin, with long stalks and wavy edges. In summer and autumn it bears small yellow-green flowers. Cultivation and management are simple, the plant shape is attractive, the foliage is fresh green, and it is very pleasing to look at. It is currently one of the aquatic plants most loved by gardening enthusiasts. Now let us take a look at how to grow pennywort best!
Growth habits of pennywort
Pennywort likes warmth and moisture. It is best grown in partial sun or shade, and direct sunlight should be avoided. It is not fussy about growing soil, but soft, well-draining soil is best, or it can be grown directly in water. The optimum water temperature is 22-28 degrees. It is shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, slightly drought-tolerant, highly adaptable, vigorous by nature, easy to plant, and quick to propagate. It can grow both in water and on land. Pennywort is afraid of cold. In winter, for pennywort kept outdoors, all the water can be poured out and the plant placed in a south-facing, sunny, wind-sheltered spot, where it can overwinter safely, though some leaves will die off. In the following spring, the underground root system will sprout again. In cold northern regions without heating, you can make a cover and cover the whole pot, pour out the water, and keep it moist. As long as the room temperature does not drop below zero, it will continue to grow the following year as well.
Propagation methods for pennywort
Pennywort is mainly propagated by division or cuttings, mostly carried out from March to May each year. Cultivation is easy. Keep the growing soil moist, and roots will form in about 1-2 weeks. Seed sowing can also be used for raising seedlings. For the growing medium, a mixed substrate made from leaf mold, river mud, and garden soil can be used, with a volume ratio of 0.5:2:2 respectively. For potted cultivation, this can be done once the pennywort seedlings have formed. A medium-sized flower pot without drainage holes is often used as the planting container. To achieve a better ornamental effect, 1 seedling can be placed in each pot. After the operation is finished, simply fill with water. To make acclimatization easier, the planting operation is best carried out on a cloudy day.
How to grow pennywort best
1. Soil cultivation of pennywort: Potted pennywort can be handled once the seedlings have formed. A medium-sized flower pot without drainage holes is often used as the planting container. To achieve a better ornamental effect, 1 seedling can be placed in each pot. After the operation is finished, simply fill with water. To make acclimatization easier, the planting operation is best carried out on a cloudy day.
2. Hydroponic cultivation of pennywort: Pennywort is not strict about water quality and can be grown in relatively soft fresh water. Salinity should not be too high. The pH of the water is best controlled between 6.5 and 7.0, that is, slightly acidic to neutral. It has a relatively high demand for fertilizer. During the vigorous growth stage, topdressing once every 2-3 weeks is sufficient. If grown in a pot or container, only a small amount of fertilizer is needed, such as a quick-acting fertilizer like Huabao No. 2, or a slow-release fertilizer like Magic Fertilizer (which can maintain fertilizer efficiency in water for a long time).
3. Half-water, half-soil cultivation method: When growing pennywort, it is best not to use water alone. Pure hydroponics generally does not produce very good results, while half-water, half-soil gives better results, just like growing water lilies and lotus. This way it is very easy to grow. If using only water, add hydroponic nutrient solution, and also use river sand, ceramsite, or pebbles to press down the base. Pennywort is extremely fond of sunlight while growing, so it is best to place the water basin outdoors in full light or beside a window. If grown indoors, the daily sunlight exposure should be no less than 4-5 hours.
Precautions for growing pennywort
1. Pennywort likes warmth and high temperatures, and 80% sunlight is suitable. Insufficient light or excessive shading will cause the stems to become leggy and the leaves to yellow and rot. Use a medium with good water retention and keep it moist at all times. The amphibious pennywort is commonly seen in spaces such as aquatic ponds and wetlands, and is also very suitable for water trays and aquariums.
2. Pennywort generally does not need heavy pruning. When the leaves are too dense, promptly remove withered lower leaves and outer old leaves and diseased leaves to improve light and ventilation conditions. In spring, when the roots fill the pot, repot and divide and reshape the plant. If the plant grows too tall, prune it back to encourage new shoots to sprout from the base of the stems and leaves.
3. Pennywort likes sunlight and water. It can be grown hydroponically, in soil, or in half-water, half-soil. Its leaves are round and very cute, and it is very easy to grow. In short, you can do whatever you like with it. It does not compete for fertilizer, but it likes light and water. As long as light and water are sufficient, it will be full of vitality.
4. Pennywort does not need a very large pot. It can also be planted in a relatively large bowl, and a narcissus basin will also do. When planting, it can be planted flat, and the rhizomes should be covered so that they are not visible. Avoid planting too deep. Then place it in partial shade for a week and wait for new leaves to grow before exposing it to sunlight.
5. Pennywort sometimes develops yellowing leaves, mainly caused by the following reasons, which should be avoided as much as possible. First, the potting soil has been too wet or too dry for a long time, without watering as soon as it dries. Second, the root system has already been frostbitten in winter. Third, in spring it was moved outdoors too early, and the pennywort could not adapt to the sudden climate change for a time. Fourth, it has been placed in an environment with poor ventilation for a long time. Fifth, the leaf surface has not been sprayed and cleaned for a long time, accumulating dust and hindering photosynthesis.
6. If new leaves are generally found to be yellowing, a compound fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer can be sprayed on the leaf surface. If water moss appears on the roots or in the water, immediately clean it and change the water, otherwise it is unfavorable to plant growth and affects the ornamental value. Usually pay more attention to whether the water in the container is sufficient to avoid drying up.