Stephania and Pennywort Are Not the Same Thing: 5 Differences to Tell Them Apart

Some plant lovers always get confused when browsing a flower shop:"This round-leaved plant must be pennywort, right? Why does the shop owner call it Stephania?" Actually, although Stephania and pennywort both have somewhat "round" leaves, they are not the same plant at all. Whether in appearance, growth habit or care needs, the differences are huge! Today I will teach you to tell them apart at a glance, so you will never be fooled again.

First, look at the most intuitive difference, the leaves. This is the easiest point for telling them apart. The leaves of pennywort look like mini lotus leaves, a round sheet with a perfectly smooth edge and no notches at all. The leaf diameter is generally 3-5 cm, thin to the touch, and bright tender green in color. They grow very densely, and in clumps they look lively. The leaves of Stephania are also round, but more like the lower half of a "heart," with shallow wavy edges rather than being completely smooth. The leaves are considerably larger than those of pennywort, reaching 10-15 cm. The blades are thick and fleshy, and the color is a deeper, richer green. Also, newly emerged leaves curl up into small rolls, and only after unfurling do they take on that "roundish" look. A single leaf alone has more "weight" than pennywort.

Next, look at the root system and stems. These two are even more worlds apart. The root system of pennywort consists of fine fibrous roots, tightly tangled together like a little ball of yarn. When grown in water or soil, the roots are usually hidden in the soil or water and are rarely seen. The stems are also thin, and they very easily produce "runners" - thin vines extending from the mother plant, with small leaves on the vines. Wherever they touch soil, they can take root and grow into new plants. That is why pennywort fills a pot so easily and can cover a whole pot in no time. The most distinctive feature of Stephania is its "tuberous root," which looks like a chubby little potato. Some are spherical, some irregular in shape, and brown in color. When growing it, part of this tuber is exposed above the soil, making it very recognizable. Its stems are fleshy and much thicker than those of pennywort, and they will climb up along a support rather than sprawling in the pot like pennywort. It is more like a "little climbing expert."

Then there is their growth habit. If you care for them the same way, you are sure to kill one of them. Pennywort is a "water-loving, sun-loving" plant. Whether grown in water or soil, it must have plenty of moisture. In soil it must not dry out, and in water it needs frequent water changes. The more sun it gets, the more vigorously it grows; even a bit of midday summer sun is fine. Lack of light, on the other hand, causes leggy growth and yellowing leaves. Stephania is different. It prefers a "semi-shaded, moist" environment and cannot take harsh sun. Especially in summer, if placed in direct sunlight, its leaves quickly develop spots and may even wither. Watering must also be controlled. Its tuber can store water, so overwatering easily causes root rot. In soil, water only after the potting mix has dried out completely. In water, the water level must not cover the tuber, or the tuber will rot. Be sure to pay attention to this.

Finally, look at ornamental value and uses. Their "roles" are different too. Pennywort is suitable as a small desktop potted plant. Whether grown in water on a desk or in soil on a windowsill, its clumps of small round leaves are especially fresh, and it can also purify the air. It also grows quickly. Even if it occasionally declines, a trim lets it grow back again, making it very suitable for beginners. Stephania is better as a climbing green plant. You can give it a small trellis and let the stems climb along it to form a small green screen. The exposed tuber can also be viewed as a mini bonsai. Placed in the living room or on a balcony, it has a tropical feel and looks especially stylish. Its growth rate is also relatively slower, so it does not need frequent pruning, making it suitable for people who like low-maintenance plants with character.

Now, looking at Stephania and pennywort again, can you tell them apart at a glance? If you like something lively and easy to keep alive, choose pennywort. If you like something distinctive that can climb, Stephania is definitely the right choice. You will never be fooled by "round leaves" again!