Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
Dwarf pennywort
Minute round leaves forming a wet-loving carpet — excellent for moist closed terrariums and paludarium edges.
A tiny creeping plant from Asia (also used in aquascaping) with coin-like leaves. It tolerates wet to waterlogged conditions better than most houseplants. Prefer this species for terrarium scale over larger Hydrocotyle verticillata already in the library. Outdoor invasiveness is irrelevant indoors but do not dump outdoors carelessly in mild UK microclimates.
Why it works
Teaches wet-zone planting and pairs with true moisture lovers; very beginner-tolerant of “too wet.”
Watering notes
Unlike most terrarium plants, under-watering is the bigger risk. Top up to keep the root zone damp; avoid foul stagnant pools without charcoal/drainage planning.
Care tips
- Keep substrate consistently moist to wet — do not let it dry out.
- High humidity emersed growth suits sealed cases.
- Trim edges to stop it smothering slower mosses.
- Easy to restart from stem pieces pressed into wet mix.
Common problems
- Collapse if the mix dries
- Algae or mush in stagnant, overly dark wet zones
- Overrunning delicate moss if unchecked
Companion check
Cushion Moss
good- • Known companions in our library.
Maidenhair Fern
good- • Known companions in our library.