PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Thrives in partial sun to full shade; tolerates dappled sunlight over shallow water; avoid intense midday direct sun
Watering
Requires consistent shallow water (2–5 cm deep) or permanently damp, water-retentive soil; avoid complete drying of substrate
Temperature
Prefers cool to temperate temperatures; avoid frost below 0°C and extreme heat above 28°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round, kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped margins; glossy green, 2–4 cm wide
- Flower: Tiny, pale pink or white umbel flowers held 2–5 cm above foliage
- Stem: Slender, creeping stolons that root at nodes to form dense, interconnected mats
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain 2–5 cm of shallow water over planting medium; refresh water weekly to prevent stagnation
Fertilization
Diluted aquatic fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive algae growth in aquatic environments
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in dechlorinated water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 before adding to water or soil to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Trim overgrown stolons to maintain compact mat growth and prevent spread into unwanted areas
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to preserve plant health and appearance
- Thin dense mats every 2–3 months to improve airflow and light penetration to lower foliage
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans; may be consumed in small quantities in some culinary traditions
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental ground cover for bog gardens and pond edges; occasional use as a mild, peppery culinary herb in some European regions
