Comparison: Hydrocotyle Tripartita vs. Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Mini'
Hydrocotyle Tripartita and Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Mini' are both popular aquatic plants in the aquarium hobby, known for their bright green, clover-like leaves and ability to create lush carpets. While they share many similarities, there are distinct differences that make each one unique in aquascaping.
| Feature | Hydrocotyle Tripartita | Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Mini' |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Size | Larger, around 1 cm or more per leaf | Smaller, more compact growth with leaves around 0.5 cm |
| Growth Habit | Fast-growing, spreading with longer stems | More compact and dense, with shorter internodes |
| Lighting Needs | Moderate to high | High for best compact growth |
| CO₂ Requirement | Benefits from CO₂ but can grow in low-tech tanks | Strongly benefits from CO₂ to maintain compact form |
| Substrate & Anchoring | Can root in substrate or attach to hardscape | Prefers to root in substrate but can also attach |
| Ideal Placement | Midground to carpet plant | Best as a foreground carpet plant |
| Growth Speed | Fast | Moderate to fast |
| Maintenance | Requires frequent trimming to control growth | Requires trimming but maintains shape better |
| Hardiness | Hardy and adaptable | Slightly more delicate than regular Tripartita |
Key Differences
- Size: The biggest difference is the leaf and stem size, with 'Mini' being much smaller and more compact.
- Density: 'Mini' forms a tighter carpet due to shorter internodes, while regular Tripartita grows more openly.
- Growth Rate: Regular Tripartita grows faster and can become leggy, whereas 'Mini' remains more controlled.
- CO₂ Needs: 'Mini' benefits more from CO₂ injection to maintain its compact structure, while regular Tripartita can adapt to lower-tech setups more easily.
Which One to Choose?
- If you want a dense, fine-textured carpet, go for Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Mini'.
- If you prefer faster growth and a more versatile plant that can be used in both foreground and midground, Hydrocotyle Tripartita is the better option.
Both plants bring a vibrant green aesthetic to an aquascape, and choosing the right one depends on your tank setup, lighting, and maintenance preferences.
Hydrocotyle Tripartita 'Mini' - Rooted
Rooted portions:
These portions comes with established roots.Rooted portions are preferable to the standard potted version because these plants already have developed roots in the soil, simplifying the acclimatization process.