If you’re interested in aquascaping or just have a healthy aquarium, you may be familiar with Hydrocotyla verticalis, also referred to as the water navel. Because of its attractive appearance and simplicity of maintenance, this endearing aquatic plant is becoming more and more popular among hobbyists. It gives an air of natural beauty to any aquarium setup with its round, green leaves and creeping growth habit.
Growing hydrocotyla verticalis in your tank is a great way to create lush, green spaces because it’s a versatile plant that can be grown in and out of the water. Because it can flourish in a variety of environments, it’s a great choice for both novice and seasoned aquarists. Because of its environmental adaptability, you can use it to create a wide range of aquascaping styles, from elegant trailing displays to densely carpeted floors.
The best methods for cultivating Hydrocotyla verticalis in your aquarium will be discussed in this article. You’ll discover what grows best for this plant, how to take care of it, and how to make sure it thrives in your aquatic environment. This guide will give you the skills you need to grow and enjoy your water navel plant, whether your goal is to create a striking focal point or just improve the natural look of your tank.
| Aspect | Details |
| Light Requirements | Moderate to high light levels are best for healthy growth. |
| Water Conditions | Prefers soft to moderately hard water, with a temperature range of 22-28°C. |
| Planting | Plant in substrate or allow to float, providing space for spreading. |
| Trimming | Regular trimming helps maintain shape and encourages denser growth. |
| Propagation | Easily propagated through stem cuttings, which can be replanted. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most aquarium species and ideal for planted tanks. |
The water navel, or Hydrocotyla verticalis, is a great option if you want to give your aquarium a splash of lush greenery. This article will walk you through the easy steps of growing and taking care of this plant so that it will flourish in your aquatic environment. We’ll go over everything you need to know to turn your water navel into a vibrant, eye-catching feature of your tank, from setting up the ideal conditions to adding vital nutrients.
- Distribution
- Growing and care
- Water parameters for ideal maintenance
- Lighting requirements
- Soil and nutrient substrate requirements
- Fertilizer requirements
- Reproduction
- Plant forms
- Growing in a paludarium
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Distribution
Hydrocotyla verticalis is widespread in South and North America under natural conditions. Its habitat is high humidity, mostly found in marshes or shallow water.
Growing and care
Although hydrocotyla verticalis is a challenging plant to care for, it grows slowly but steadily when the right water conditions are maintained.
Water parameters for ideal maintenance
Although it adjusts well to variations in these parameters, water with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction is advised for the upkeep of shield-leaved.
20 to 26 degrees is the ideal temperature (moderately warm environment). Regular water changes and the use of a filter are advised because unclean aquariums cause the plants to quickly deteriorate and die.
Lighting requirements
Lighting requirements are the strictest when it comes to plant maintenance. Light sources include incandescent and fluorescent lamps.
Hydrocotyla benefits from natural light, but it needs to be shielded from strong sunlight that could burn the leaves. The daylight hours last for 12–14 hours.
It is not required to use both fluorescent and incandescent light sources to maintain Hydrocotyla. One option is available to you; the crucial aspect is that the light is bright but indirect on the leaves.
Soil and nutrient substrate requirements
The roots of the plant are weak and easily broken. They need a fine-grained soil; ideally, this is river sand.
A layer of at least 2-3 cm is recommended, but it is best to pay attention to the size of the rhizome; if the roots are long, 5-7 cm of soil should be applied. Hydrocotyle can swim freely in the water column; it does not need to be buried deeper in the earth.
Fertilizer requirements
Hydrocotyle verticalis can be fed with the natural silt that accumulates in the aquarium.
While feeding is not required, aquarists occasionally add extra mineral fertilizers; any complex liquid mixture will work.
Reproduction
The process of root division is how Hydrocotyle verticillata reproduces. It is split into sections, with four to five leaves on each section.
After planting, it’s important to keep the lighting and other elements at the appropriate level.
Hydrocotyle grows best in paludariums, where the water level is raised daily as it is progressively "acclimatized" to the aquatic environment.
In the aquarium, a robust, fully-grown plant with ten or more leaves is planted.
Plant forms
Three other varieties of the plant, in addition to Hydrocotyle verticalis, are frequently found in aquaristic environments.
- Hydrocotyle white-headed. The shape and color of the leaves resemble Hydrocotyle verticillata, but the height can reach 50 cm.
- Hydrocotyle Tripartita. The appearance of the plant is similar to clover (small leaves are divided into 3 parts), the height is no more than 10 cm.
- Hydrocotyle vulgaris. The main difference from other varieties is that the common shield-leaved plant does not grow in height, but spreads along the bottom and forms a “carpet” of leaves 6-7 cm wide.
Shield-leaved plants are used in garden pond decoration as well as aquarium keeping in warm climates.
Growing in a paludarium
Since Hydrocotyle verticalis grows slowly at depths greater than 40 cm, planting it in paludariums is advised.
Soil is a blend of sand, clay, and peat to which silt from the aquarium and some garden soil can be added. Although plants can withstand environmental changes quite well, it is advised to gradually move them from water to land while progressively reducing the water level.
The water navel, or Hydrocotyle verticalis, can be a rewarding addition to any aquarium setup if it is grown. Aquarists love this plant for its unusual look and low maintenance requirements. With its vivid green foliage and climbing habit, it gives your aquatic habitat a lush, organic appearance.
Make sure your Hydrocotyle verticalis is growing by giving it the proper conditions. While it can handle moderate lighting, it prefers an environment with plenty of light. A nutrient-rich substrate and routine water changes will also support growth and help to keep it healthy. Watch the water parameters as well to prevent any imbalances that could harm the plant.
Hydrocotyle verticalis is relatively easy to propagate and trim. Its growth is controlled and other plants in the tank are kept from being overtaken by it with regular trimming. Additionally easy is propagation: just take cuttings, replant them in the substrate, and they will take root right away.
Incorporating Hydrocotyle verticalis into your aquarium will improve its aesthetic appeal while also providing your fish with a healthier environment. It’s a great option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its versatility and attractiveness.
