Sreepadma JR5 Hydrocotyle tripartita | TC Live Plants

Hydrocotyle tripartita is a small, fast-growing aquatic plant widely used in aquascaping for its bright green, clover-like appearance and creeping growth pattern.

It has thin, delicate stems with tiny, round to lobed leaves that resemble miniature ivy or clover. The leaves are vibrant green and grow in clusters along horizontal runners, allowing the plant to spread quickly across the substrate. Under good conditions, it forms a dense, lush carpet, while in lower light it tends to grow taller and more open.

Hydrocotyle tripartita, also known as Hydrocotyle 'Japan', is a highly versatile aquatic plant prized for its small, vibrant green leaves that resemble three-lobed clovers. Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, it is a staple in modern aquascaping due to its rapid, creeping growth habit and ease of maintenance.

Key Characteristics & Uses

• Growth Habit: Spreads quickly via horizontal runners. In high-energy setups, it can become invasive and requires regular pruning to keep it from overtaking other plants.
• Terrestrial Potential: It thrives in high-humidity environments like terrariums and paludariums, where it grows as a delicate terrestrial ground cover.
• Training: You can promote a denser, flatter carpet by physically pressing the stems into the substrate (mechanical retardation)

Maintanance: 

• Lighting: Medium to high (important for dense carpet)
• CO₂: Recommended (not required, but improves growth & compactness)
• Growth rate: Fast
• Placement: Foreground / midground
• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5