Pearlweed (Hemianthus micranthemoides) is a bright and versatile aquarium plant with small, pearl-like leaves that can be trimmed to carpet or allowed to grow vertically as a bushy accent. It’s perfect for nano tanks, Dutch-style layouts, or anywhere you want fine texture and vibrant green color.
Fast-growing and adaptable, Pearlweed thrives with CO₂ and good lighting but can still perform in low-tech tanks with regular trimming. Whether you’re shaping hillsides, foregrounds, or vertical walls, this plant is a creative aquascaper’s dream.
Care and Planting Directions
Plant in clusters with fine tweezers, spacing it out to allow spreading. Medium to high light helps keep growth compact, while CO₂ boosts density and carpeting. Without trimming, it grows upright like a soft green bush. Trim often for best shape and replant cuttings to expand coverage.
Specs
Name: Hemianthus micranthemoides
Common Name: Pearlweed
Difficulty: Medium
Light: Medium to High
CO₂: Optional (Recommended for carpeting)
Height: 1–6 inches
Substrate: Required
Growth Rate: Fast
Propagation: Trimmings / Runners
Aquarium Placement: Foreground / Midground / Slope