Hemianthus Micranthemoides 'Pearl Weed'

Pearl Weed (Hemianthus micranthemoides) is a bright green, fast-growing aquarium plant known for its fine, delicate leaves and compact growth. It’s a versatile species that can be used in the foreground or midground, and with the right conditions, it can even be trained to form a vibrant aquarium carpet.

In high light with CO₂ injection, Pearl Weed spreads low and horizontally, making it suitable as a carpeting plant. With regular trimming, it can develop into a lush, textured foreground layer similar to Monte Carlo. In low-tech setups, it grows more upright and bushy, making it better suited for midground placement.

Whether you're looking to create a dense carpet, fill out the midground, or add layering in nano tanks, Pearl Weed is an adaptable and rewarding choice.

Key Features

- Versatile aquarium plant for foreground or midground use
- Can be trained to carpet under high light and CO₂
- Bright green foliage with small, rounded leaves
- Fast growth and easy to propagate
- Ideal for nature-style, Dutch-style, or nano aquascapes

Plant Care

- Lighting: Medium to high
- CO₂: Recommended for carpeting effect
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Placement: Foreground (high-tech) / Midground (low-tech)
- Propagation: Trim and replant cuttings into substrate

Pearl Weed is an alternative to HC Cuba and Monte Carlo in New Zealand, for aquarists who want carpeting plants without extreme demands. While it won't always hug the substrate without support, the plant can be shaped and guided with trimming. Check out this guide from The 2HR Aquarist on how to grow this plant succesfully.