Also known as American Pennywort · Beach Pennywort · Californian Pennywort
Hydrocotyle bonariensis, or Largeleaf Pennywort, is a vigorous aquatic and semi-aquatic perennial with large, attractive, rounded leaves. It thrives in moist to wet soils
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light
50% intensity
Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if kept consistently moist. Avoid prolonged direct sun.
Keep consistently moist
100% intensity
Prefers wet soil and can tolerate standing water in shallow containers.
Loamy, Sandy, Clay, Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
50% intensity
Average to warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost; can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in dormancy.
Aquatic
50% intensity
Light feeding
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist, as Hydrocotyle bonariensis thrives in wet conditions. Water thoroughly when the top layer of soil begins to feel dry.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially during warmer months. Good drainage is still important to prevent root rot.
Prune to maintain shape and control spread. Remove any yellowing or dead foliage regularly. You can trim back leggy growth to encourage a bushier habit.
Pinching off flower stalks after blooming can also help direct energy back into foliage growth.
Easily propagated by division of established clumps or by stem cuttings. Cuttings can be rooted in water or moist soil. Division is best done in spring when new growth appears.
Simply separate the rhizomes and replant them in suitable soil.
Repot your Largeleaf Pennywort every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Spring is the ideal time for repotting, just as new growth begins to emerge.
Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Largeleaf Pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Hydrocotyle |
| Species | Hydrocotyle bonariensis |
Similar in genus Hydrocotyle
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
