How to Grow Pennywort in Water? Detailed Guide to Methods and Precautions

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Many gardening enthusiasts love growing pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) in water, but don't know how to care for it. Actually, it's not difficult. First, we need to ensure the quality of the water - it should be clean with low salinity. If using tap water, it needs to be left to stand, and the water should be changed about once a week. Second, it needs at least 4 hours of light daily, flower fertilizer should be added every two to three weeks, and the temperature should be adjusted to between 16-24°C. Finally, when it grows very lush, you need to prune its branches and leaves.

1. Water Quality

Because water quality has some effect on it but not a major one, we don't need to worry too much, but we should grow it in fresh water with low hardness. Additionally, we should keep the water slightly acidic.

We don't need to change the water too frequently. Generally, when there is enough water, we only need to change it once a week. Of course, in summer the water needs to be changed more quickly, because it can easily become contaminated - for example, mosquitoes may lay eggs in it. As long as the water doesn't produce an odor, we don't need to pour out the old water - we can just add some water. Of course, its leaves should also touch the water a little.

Normally, if leaves naturally fall into the water, we should remove them promptly, because they affect water quality. Also, we should note that if using tap water, it's best to let it stand first. If green algae grows near the roots, we don't need to treat it.

2. Light

We should give it an appropriate amount of light. Generally, the light duration should be four hours, so that it will grow better. When there is less light, it is very likely to turn yellow and wither.

3. Fertilizing

Fertilizing is extremely important. Generally, we should add flower fertilizer every two to three weeks, and we should also give it a dedicated nutrient solution regularly. If we have goldfish, we can also give it the water from changing the goldfish tank, which also serves as an indirect form of flower fertilizer.

4. Temperature

Because its preferred temperature range is between 16 and 24°C, it grows well within this range. However, if the temperature is higher or lower than this, it is not good, because it will slow down its growth and also easily cause insects to grow in the water.

5. Pruning

If grown well, it can easily fill a whole pot, so we should prune it promptly. If it grows very lush and dense, we can transplant it to other pots, so that some of the leaves won't be unable to get sunlight due to being shaded by other leaves.