Hydrocotyle Filipes

Description

Hydrocotyle Filipes is a species of the Hydrocotyle plant genus, which is native to South America. This plant is also known as creeping marsh pennywort, trailing water pennywort, and giant pennywort. It is a creeping plant that grows along the ground or in shallow water. The leaves of Hydrocotyle Filipes are round and bright green, and it produces small white flowers during the summer months. This plant is a popular choice for aquariums and water gardens due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Hydrocotyle Filipes is a creeping plant that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. Its leaves are round and bright green, with a slightly glossy texture. The leaves are attached to the stem by long petioles, which can be up to 8 inches long. Hydrocotyle Filipes produces small white flowers during the summer months, which are held above the leaves on thin stalks. The flowers are approximately 1/8 inch in diameter and have five petals.

Care Guide

Hydrocotyle Filipes is an easy plant to care for and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing. Here are some care tips to help you keep your Hydrocotyle Filipes healthy:

Water

Hydrocotyle Filipes prefers to grow in moist soil or shallow water, so it is important to keep the soil or water consistently damp. If you are growing your plant in a container, make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Fertilization

Hydrocotyle Filipes does not require frequent fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Soil

Hydrocotyle Filipes prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are growing your plant in a container, use a potting mix that is designed for aquatic plants.

Sunlight

Hydrocotyle Filipes prefers bright, indirect sunlight. If you are growing your plant indoors, place it near a window that receives bright, filtered light.

Hardiness Zones

Hydrocotyle Filipes is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hydrocotyle Filipes is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil or water is consistently waterlogged. If you notice your plant’s leaves turning yellow or brown, or if the stems become soft and mushy, it may be suffering from root rot. To treat root rot, remove the affected plant parts and replant the remaining healthy plant in fresh soil or water.

Habitat

Hydrocotyle Filipes is native to South America, where it grows in marshes, shallow ponds, and other wetland habitats. It can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America, where it has been introduced as an aquarium and water garden plant.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Hydrocotyle Filipes a good choice for beginner aquarists?

A: Yes, Hydrocotyle Filipes is a great choice for beginner aquarists because it is easy to care for and adds a beautiful touch to aquariums.

Q: Can Hydrocotyle Filipes be grown in outdoor ponds?

A: Yes, Hydrocotyle Filipes can be grown in outdoor ponds as long as the water is consistently damp and the plant receives bright, filtered sunlight.

Q: How often should Hydrocotyle Filipes be fertilized?

A: Hydrocotyle Filipes does not require frequent fertilization, but you can feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Hydrocotyle Filipes?

A: Hydrocotyle Filipes prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Related Plants

• Hydrocotyle Leucocephala
• Hydrocotyle Sibthorpioides
• Hydrocotyle Tripartita
• Hydrocotyle Verticillata

References

• “Hydrocotyle Filipes.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c240
• “Hydrocotyle Filipes.” Aquatic Arts. https://www.aquaticarts.com/products/hydrocotyle-filipes-creeping-marsh-pennywort
• “Hydrocotyle Filipes.” Tropica Aquarium Plants. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Hydrocotilefilipes(042B)/4464