Contents
Description
Hydrocotyle Nepalensis, also known as the Nepal pennywort, is a creeping herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Araliaceae. It is native to the Himalayas, specifically in Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim. This plant is commonly found in humid and shady areas, such as forests, riverbanks, and wetlands. Hydrocotyle Nepalensis has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as respiratory problems, fever, and skin diseases.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Hydrocotyle |
Appearance
Hydrocotyle Nepalensis has small, round, and glossy leaves that grow on long and thin stems. The leaves are typically 1-2 cm in diameter and have a slightly scalloped edge. The plant can grow up to 10 cm in height and spreads by sending out runners that root at the nodes. It produces small white or yellowish flowers that bloom in the summer. Hydrocotyle Nepalensis is a great plant for ground cover and can be grown in terrariums or aquariums.
Care Guide
Water: Hydrocotyle Nepalensis prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly to keep the soil damp. However, it should not be left in standing water.Fertilization: This plant does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Hydrocotyle Nepalensis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can thrive in a variety of soil types, but it should be kept moist.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and burn.Hardiness Zones: Hydrocotyle Nepalensis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrocotyle Nepalensis is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These can be treated with a mild soap and water solution or by using neem oil.
Habitat
Hydrocotyle Nepalensis is native to the Himalayas and can be found in Nepal, Bhutan, and Sikkim. It grows in humid and shady areas, such as forests, riverbanks, and wetlands. It can also be grown in terrariums or aquariums.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hydrocotyle Nepalensis toxic to pets?A: No, Hydrocotyle Nepalensis is not toxic to pets.Q: Can Hydrocotyle Nepalensis be grown indoors?A: Yes, Hydrocotyle Nepalensis can be grown indoors in a terrarium or aquarium.Q: How often should Hydrocotyle Nepalensis be fertilized?A: Hydrocotyle Nepalensis does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q: Can Hydrocotyle Nepalensis tolerate direct sunlight?A: No, Hydrocotyle Nepalensis prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and burn.
Related Plants
- Hydrocotyle leucocephala
- Hydrocotyle tripartita
- Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
- Hydrocotyle verticillata
References
- “Hydrocotyle nepalensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 12, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286762.
- “Hydrocotyle nepalensis.” Tropica Aquarium Plants. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Hydrocotylenepalensis(053TC)/4449.
- “Hydrocotyle nepalensis.” PlantVine. Accessed September 12, 2021. https://www.plantvine.com/products/hydrocotyle-nepalensis.
