Hydrocotyle tripartita (Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’) – Fast-growing carpeting plant with clover-like leaves; perfect for lush layouts.

2 oz cup portion, loosely packed

Create a lush, lively underwater world with Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’, a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts for its bright green, clover-shaped leaves and rapid, compact growth. This charming plant forms dense mats that bring texture, movement, and a natural sense of balance to any aquarium. Its unique appearance — a cross between a tiny creeping vine and a miniature field of clover — makes it a stunning foreground or midground carpeting plant that thrives in both minimalist and jungle-style aquascapes.

Originally from Southeast Asia, this fast-growing species adapts easily to a wide range of aquarium setups. Whether you’re crafting a nature-inspired layout, a shrimp breeding tank, or a high-energy aquascape, Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’ adds an elegant touch of vitality and life.

🌱 Why You’ll Love Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’

• Vibrant Carpet Growth: Quickly forms dense, bright green mats that bring texture and color to your aquarium floor.

• Unique Clover-Like Leaves: Adds a playful, organic aesthetic that pairs beautifully with wood, stone, and other plants.

• Versatile Use: Perfect as a foreground carpet, midground accent, or creeping wall plant when attached to rock or driftwood.

• Fast-Growing & Adaptable: Thrives in both CO₂-injected tanks and low-tech setups with moderate care.

• Ideal for Shrimp & Nano Tanks: Offers shelter and grazing surfaces for shrimp, fry, and microfauna.

💧 Care & Growing Conditions

Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’ is an easy to moderate plant that rewards consistent lighting and nutrients with lush, compact growth.

• Light Requirements: Medium to high lighting ensures tight, low carpeting. In low light, stems elongate and become less dense.

• CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ injection encourages rapid, vibrant growth, though it can grow without it. Regular liquid fertilization supports lush coloration.

• Substrate: Prefers nutrient-rich or planted substrates but also attaches well to hardscape surfaces like driftwood or stone.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • pH: 5.5–7.5

  • Hardness: Soft to moderate

• Growth Rate: Fast — regular trimming keeps it compact and prevents overgrowth.

🌾 Aquascaping Inspiration

Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’ is beloved by aquascapers for its ability to bring life and depth to any design. Its small, delicate leaves and creeping growth pattern mimic the look of miniature ground ivy, adding a fresh, natural charm.

• Foreground Carpet: Use as a vibrant green mat covering open substrate.

• Midground Accent: Plant between stones or driftwood to soften transitions and create layering.

• Vertical Growth: Train up hardscape elements for a cascading, vine-like effect.

• Highlight Contrast: Beautiful against darker plants like Cryptocoryne, Anubias, or Alternanthera reineckii.

Whether paired with fine-leaved stem plants for texture or set against bold red species for contrast, this plant enhances every aquascape with its energetic green hue and delicate, organic form.

✂️ Maintenance Tips

• Trimming: Frequent pruning maintains density and prevents tall, leggy growth. Trim just above the root line to promote horizontal spreading.

• Propagation: Simply replant trimmings — each stem will root quickly and expand across your substrate.

• CO₂ & Nutrients: While not required, consistent CO₂ and micronutrient dosing help sustain compact, lush carpets.

• Rejuvenation: Older mats may become uneven; occasional replanting of trimmed tops ensures long-term vitality.

🐠 Tankmates & Compatibility

This species thrives in peaceful community tanks and planted nano setups, pairing well with nearly all freshwater inhabitants.

• Perfect Companions: Shrimp, rasboras, tetras, guppies, and snails.

• Avoid: Large diggers or herbivorous fish that may uproot plants.

• Ecosystem Benefits: Its dense carpet provides safe hiding spots for fry and shrimp while improving oxygenation and biofiltration.

🌼 Fun Fact

Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’ is sometimes called “Japanese Clover” for its iconic three-lobed leaves, which resemble tiny terrestrial clovers. In strong light, the plant grows compact and horizontal, but in dimmer tanks, it begins to climb — creating a dynamic, ever-changing appearance based on its environment.

🌿 Key Details

• Scientific Name: Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’

• Common Name: Japanese Clover, Tripartite Hydrocotyle

• Origin: Southeast Asia (cultivar from Japan)

• Growth Form: Creeping stem plant

• Placement: Foreground to midground

• Light Requirement: Medium to high

• CO₂ Requirement: Optional but beneficial

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Propagation: Cuttings and replanting

🌟 Why Choose Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’

If you’re looking for a fast-growing, visually captivating carpet plant, Hydrocotyle tripartita ‘Japan’ delivers everything an aquascaper could want — vibrant green color, charming form, and versatile placement options. It’s the perfect choice for both beginners and advanced hobbyists aiming to build lush, natural, and balanced aquascapes.

From nano tanks to large planted displays, this species adds a touch of charm and vitality that transforms any aquarium into a living underwater garden. 🌿✨