Hydrocotyle Tripartita Mini

Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Mini’, often referred to as Hydrocotyle ‘Japan’, is a popular aquarium plant known for its bright green, clover-shaped foliage and vining growth habit. Originally popularized through nature-style aquascaping by Takashi Amano, it’s widely used for adding texture, shape and color in planted aquariums and terrariums.

This versatile plant can be used in both the foreground and midground, where it spreads through runners to form dense bushes or trailing vines depending on how it’s trimmed. Its signature leaf shape and vibrant green color makes it an excellent choice for softening hardscape edges and filling in negative space with a natural, organic look.

Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Mini’ is generally undemanding, though sufficient lighting is important to maintain denser growth. In lower light conditions, it tends to grow more vertically, and can become leggy in an attempt to reach more light. With medium to high lighting, CO2 injection, and consistent fertilization, this dainty aquarium plant grows quickly and can become chaotic without regular trimming to maintain shape. Propagation is simple! Snip along the stem and replant into the substrate to encourage branching and fuller plant groups.

Aquascaping Uses - Foreground to midground transitional plant - Midground accent plant for nature-style aquascaping - Filling in negative space in planted aquariums - Suitable as a vining plant in terrarium or paludarium tanks