Marsh Pennywort

Name: Marsh Pennywort
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PM0521S
Price: 12.0 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Marsh Pennywort

$12

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Size 3.5" Pot - XSmall

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About This Plant

Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.) is an aquatic or semi-aquatic creeping plant native to wetlands and marshy areas across tropical and subtropical regions. It produces small, perfectly round, glossy bright green leaves carried on thin stems that spread along the soil surface or float in water.

It grows in both soil and water, which most houseplants cannot.

Marsh Pennywort can be grown in a pot of moist soil, in the wet substrate of a vivarium or terrarium, or fully or partially submerged in an aquarium. This flexibility makes it a plant you can use in a container garden, a planted tank, or a humid display case. The Fittonia is another small, humidity-loving plant that suits terrariums and vivarium setups well.

The dense spreading habit covers bare soil and creates a living ground cover.

Marsh Pennywort spreads horizontally by sending out runners that root as they go. In a pot this means the surface fills in quickly with a tight mat of round leaves. In an open terrarium or vivarium, the same spreading habit creates a lush carpet effect.

It needs consistently moist conditions to stay healthy.

As a wetland plant, Marsh Pennywort is one of the few houseplants that tolerates and prefers consistently wet soil. The soil should never fully dry out. In a pot, it does best sitting on a pebble tray of water or being watered every two to three days. Letting the soil dry out even briefly causes the leaves to shrivel and the stems to collapse.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward as light levels drop. A closed or semi-closed terrarium provides a naturally humid microclimate that reduces the impact of winter heating season. If growing in an open pot, run a humidifier and water frequently for the season.

Toxicity

Not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database (Hydrocotyle spp.). Toxicity to cats and dogs cannot be confirmed from ASPCA data. Keep out of reach of pets and small children as a precaution.

Pests

Fungus gnats are the most common issue because the moist soil it needs creates ideal conditions for gnat larvae. Allow only the very top layer of soil to get slightly less wet between waterings to reduce the risk without stressing the plant.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Fittonia.

For another small, humidity-loving plant that suits terrariums and vivarium setups, the Fittonia brings vivid green and white or red veining to a closed display case without taking up much space.

Peperomia Rotundifolia.

For a trailing plant with small, round-ish leaves and a similarly creeping habit, the Peperomia Rotundifolia drapes from a shelf edge or trails along soil with minimal care and less need for high humidity.

Baby Tears.

For a similarly low, dense spreading plant with small round leaves that suits terrariums and humid containers, Baby Tears creates a lush carpet in a bright, humid setup.

Common Questions

Can Marsh Pennywort grow fully submerged in an aquarium?

Yes. Marsh Pennywort is one of the few plants that grows both emersed (above water) and submersed. In an aquarium it grows along the substrate or floats. It grows faster emersed than submersed, so expect slower but steady growth when fully underwater. It does well in low to moderate light aquarium conditions.

Why are the leaves shrivelling and the stems collapsing?

The soil has dried out. Marsh Pennywort is a wetland plant and cannot tolerate dry soil even briefly. Water immediately and thoroughly, then keep the soil consistently moist. If the stems have gone fully limp, the plant may recover if the roots are still intact. Cut any dead stems back and keep the remaining plant in high humidity while it recovers.

Is Marsh Pennywort safe for cats and dogs?

Hydrocotyle spp. is not listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, so its safety around pets cannot be confirmed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children as a precaution.

How do I control how fast it spreads?

Trim the runners regularly to keep the plant contained. In a pot, cut any stems that reach the pot edge to prevent them from rooting into adjacent soil. In a terrarium, trim the creeping stems back whenever they overgrow the intended area. The trimmings root quickly in water or moist soil, so propagation is easy if you want to spread the plant to another container.

Can I grow it in a terrarium without a lid?

Yes, but an open terrarium dries out faster, which works against this plant. You will need to water frequently and likely run a humidifier nearby in a Canadian winter from November through March when forced-air heating drops indoor humidity. A semi-closed or fully closed terrarium is a better setup for this plant and requires far less intervention to keep the humidity at the level it needs. Our guide to keeping plants alive in winter covers humidity management in more detail.

How to Take Care of Marsh Pennywort

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect to partial direct

Bright indirect light is ideal in a pot. A few hours of gentle morning sun from an east-facing window suits it well. In an aquarium, low to moderate light is enough.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

An east-facing window or a spot near a bright south-facing window works year-round. From October to February in a Canadian home, keep it in the brightest available spot. In lower light the growth slows and the stems become leggy.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Water every two to three days in a pot, or as soon as the surface begins to feel less wet. Never let the soil dry out. For aquarium or terrarium use, the substrate stays permanently wet. Use room-temperature water.

Humidity: High

Needs high humidity to thrive. A closed or semi-closed terrarium provides the easiest environment. In an open pot, a pebble tray and a nearby humidifier help. The dry heating season in Ontario and Quebec homes from November through March requires active humidity management.

Pet Friendly: Not confirmed, keep out of reach

Not listed in the ASPCA database. Safety around pets cannot be confirmed. Keep out of reach of pets and small children as a precaution.

Pro Tip

Marsh Pennywort trimmings root within days when placed in a glass of water on a bright windowsill. This makes it easy to expand to other containers or share with other plant owners. Each cutting with at least one node produces a new plant with no rooting hormone needed.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March, you can add Winter Shipping Protection at checkout. It adds insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from the cold in transit. Cold damage is only covered if it's added to your order.

You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If your plant arrives damaged, has pests, or starts to decline within 30 days, we'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

Change of mind, repotted or trimmed plants, and cold damage without Winter Shipping Protection aren't covered. See our full Return Policy

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