Pearl Weed is an exceptionally versatile stem plant whose growth can be controlled through lighting, allowing placement in the foreground, midground, or background!
Pearl Weed (Hemianthus micranthemoides), also known as Pearl Grass and Baby Tears, is a very popular and versatile stem plant that is native to the Southeast United States, where it is now very scarce (if not extinct) in the wild. However, this lovely species is well-preserved in nurseries and is a staple of the aquarium hobby. Its name comes from the tiny air bubbles, also known as "pearls" that its leaves produce during optimal photosynthesis.
Pearl Weed is a relatively undemanding plant. It requires moderate to high lighting and nutrient-rich water for optimal growth. While not necessary, CO2 supplementation is beneficial and will contribute to much faster growth and stability. It will grow in a dense mat under high lighting, especially with regular pruning and replanting. Under these conditions, horizontal growth will be optimal. Under less lighting and with less pruning, it will grow more vertically. It can be placed and treated according to the needs and wants of the aquarist to a very high degree.
Like most plants, Pearl Weed will benefit from supplementation such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, Nitrogen and other plant supplements.
This listing is for the tissue culture form of Pearl Weed. Tissue cultures are superior to traditional forms of aquarium plants in many ways. They are produced in a completely sterile environment which eliminates the possibility of them carrying pest snails or algae spores. They have a shelf life (before introduction to the aquarium) of several months if properly maintained and they are housed in a nutrient gel until introduced to the aquarium. To introduce a tissue culture plant to the aquarium, simply rinse off as much nutrient gel as possible, then plant as usual. The nutrient gel will not harm your aquarium.
What We Like About This Plant:
- Tissue cultures contain no unwanted pest animals or algae
- Fast growing when kept in nutrient-rich water
- Can be placed in any area of the aquascape
- Provides protective cover for fry
- Quickly covers large portions of the aquascape
Care Guidelines:
- Temperature: 66° - 82° F (19° - 28° C)
- pH: 6.3 - 7.2
- Lighting: Moderate to High
- Origin: Lab-grown tissue culture, but indigenous to Southeastern United States
- Aquarium placement: Any
- Care: Easy