Pearl Weed Portion Cup – Hemianthus micranthemoides
Pearl Weed (Hemianthus micranthemoides) is a bright green, fast-growing aquarium plant loved for its versatility in freshwater planted tanks. It can be trimmed into a dense foreground carpet, shaped into a compact midground bush, or allowed to grow taller for a soft, natural planted aquarium look.
Sold as a portion cup, Pearl Weed is easy to divide and plant in small clusters throughout your aquascape. Its fine leaves and quick growth make it a popular choice for nano aquariums, shrimp tanks, aquascapes, and community freshwater setups.
Key Features
- Bright green freshwater aquarium plant with delicate leaves
- Can be used as a foreground carpet, midground bush, or floating plant
- Fast-growing plant that responds well to trimming
- Great for shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, and planted aquascapes
- Portion cup makes planting and dividing easier
- CO2 is optional but helps promote denser, more compact growth
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Hemianthus micranthemoides
- Common Name: Pearl Weed
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Lighting: Medium to high
- CO2: Optional; recommended for dense carpeting
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Placement: Foreground, midground, background, or floating
- Temperature: 68–82°F
- pH Range: 6.5–7.5
Why Use Pearl Weed?
Pearl Weed is one of the most flexible plants in aquascaping. With frequent trimming and strong light, it can form a lush green carpet. When allowed to grow taller, it creates a soft bushy midground or background plant that adds texture and movement to the aquarium.
Its fast growth also helps absorb excess nutrients, making it useful in planted aquariums where balanced growth and regular trimming are part of the maintenance routine.
How to Plant
Remove the Pearl Weed from the portion cup and gently rinse away any loose growing media. Separate the plant into small clusters and plant them into aquarium substrate using aquascaping tweezers.
For a carpeting effect, plant small portions close together across the foreground and trim regularly to encourage compact growth. For a bushy look, allow the stems to grow taller and trim the tops to shape the plant.
Best Uses in Aquariums
- Freshwater planted aquariums
- Nano aquascapes
- Shrimp tanks
- Foreground carpeting layouts
- Midground bushes
- Low-tech planted tanks with regular trimming
- High-tech planted tanks with CO2 and strong lighting
Care & Maintenance Tips
Pearl Weed grows quickly under medium to high lighting and benefits from regular trimming. Frequent trimming encourages fuller, denser growth and helps prevent the lower stems from becoming shaded.
CO2 is not required, but it can help Pearl Weed grow more compact and vibrant, especially when used as a carpet. A nutrient-rich substrate or regular liquid fertilizer can also support healthy growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pearl Weed best used for?
Pearl Weed is highly versatile. It can be used as a foreground carpet, trimmed into a midground bush, grown as a background stem plant, or even floated in some setups.
How do I plant a Pearl Weed portion cup?
Rinse the plant gently, separate it into small clusters, and plant the clusters into the substrate with tweezers. Smaller portions help it spread more evenly.
Does Pearl Weed need CO2?
No, CO2 is optional. However, CO2 helps create tighter, denser, and more compact growth, especially when growing Pearl Weed as a carpet.
How fast does Pearl Weed grow?
Pearl Weed grows quickly under medium to high light and may need regular trimming to maintain shape.
Is Pearl Weed good for shrimp tanks?
Yes. Pearl Weed is a great plant for shrimp tanks because it provides cover, grazing surfaces, and a natural planted environment.
Can Pearl Weed grow in low-tech aquariums?
Yes. Pearl Weed can grow in low-tech aquariums, but growth may be taller and less compact without strong lighting and CO2.
Can Pearl Weed be floated?
Yes. Pearl Weed can be floated, though it is most commonly planted and trimmed as a carpeting, midground, or stem plant.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Pearl Weed Portion Cup is a versatile freshwater aquarium plant for carpeting, aquascaping, shrimp tanks, and planted community aquariums. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, or shop online for live aquarium plants, shrimp, snails, freshwater fish, aquascaping tools, planted tank fertilizers, and aquarium supplies.
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