Hydrocotyle acutiloba
Hydrocotyle acutiloba · Araliaceae
📷 Richard Fuller · CC0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around hydrocotyle acutiloba and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Summer (small white or yellow flowers)
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height, trailing habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (0 to 5 °C)
- Origin
- South America
- Soil type
- Moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement sans laisser le substrat sécher complètement, mais évite l'eau stagnante qui pourrit les racines en quelques jours. Un sol léger, riche en matière organique et légèrement humide en permanence est idéal ; vérifie l'humidité tous les 2-3 jours, surtout en croissance.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers noient cette plante en pensant bien faire : elle meurt plus souvent d'excès d'eau chronique que de sécheresse. Le piège classique est de garder le pot dans une soucoupe d'eau permanente.
The pro's trick
Cultive-la en pot percé avec du terreau très drainant (50% terreau, 50% perlite ou sphaigne), puis pose ce pot dans un cache-pot sans trou : l'eau qui s'écoule hydrate progressivement sans étouuffer les racines. Résultat : feuillage dense et sain.
Seasonal watch
En hiver, réduis les arrosages d'au moins 30% et rapproche le pot d'une fenêtre lumineuse, sinon elle étire et perd ses feuilles basales rapidement. L'humidité de l'air chute aussi : brumise le feuillage 1 à 2 fois par semaine pour éviter l'attaque d'araignées rouges.
Care
Regular watering
Keep the substrate consistently moist without letting it stagnate. Water regularly, especially during active growth periods (spring-summer). In winter, reduce the frequency slightly but never let the plant dry out completely.
Indirect light
Place it in a well-lit location but away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate foliage. It tolerates semi-shaded areas and adapts well to bright indoor spaces.
Rich and draining substrate
Use a light mix made of leaf mold, peat, and perlite to ensure good moisture retention without root suffocation. It appreciates a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Moderate fertilization
Apply diluted fertilizer every 15 days during the growth period (April to September). Favor a balanced formula or one slightly high in nitrogen to promote foliage.
Light pruning and pinching
Pinch stems regularly to encourage a compact and bushy habit. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves as they appear. No drastic pruning is necessary.
Caution against excessive moisture
Beware of root rot if the soil remains waterlogged. Air regularly to prevent fungal problems. Occasionally inspect for spider mites or mealybugs, especially in heated indoor spaces.
Did you know?
Hydrocotyle acutiloba is traditionally used in South American and Asian medicine for its supposed healing properties. Its genus name 'Hydrocotyle' means 'small aqueous cup' because its rounded or palmate leaves retain rainwater like tiny basins, allowing it to thrive in humid and marshy environments.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.