| Tasmania | NO |
| Western Australia | NO |
| Northern Territory | NO |
| All Other States | YES |
Hemianthus micranthemoides, commonly known as Pearl Weed, is a delicate, bright-green stem plant that produces dense growth when regularly trimmed. Its small rounded leaves create a soft, natural appearance and make it a versatile choice for planted aquariums.
Pearl Weed can be used as a midground plant, background bush or low-growing carpet when planted densely and trimmed frequently. Its flexible growth habit allows aquascapers to shape it into compact mounds or let it grow naturally between rocks and driftwood.
This plant is relatively adaptable and can grow in moderate lighting, although stronger lighting and carbon dioxide supplementation encourage denser growth, smaller leaves and improved overall form. Regular trimming helps prevent the lower stems from becoming shaded and bare.
Hemianthus micranthemoides is suitable for community aquariums, aquascapes and shrimp tanks. It provides shelter for small fish and shrimp while also helping create a lush, natural-looking aquarium.
Scientific Name: Hemianthus micranthemoides
Common Name: Pearl Weed
Type: Stem plant
Origin: North America
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Lighting: Moderate to High
CO₂: Recommended, but not essential
Placement: Midground or background; can be trimmed as a carpet
Growth Height: Approximately 5–30 cm
Water Temperature: 20–28°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Diet: Water-column nutrients and root-zone nutrients
Propagation: Stem cuttings
Suitable For: Planted aquariums, aquascapes and shrimp tanks
Yes. When planted densely and trimmed regularly, it can form a low-growing carpet or compact foreground bush.
No, but CO₂ supplementation can improve growth, density and appearance, particularly under stronger lighting.
Separate the plant into small portions and plant the stems individually with tweezers. Leave enough space between portions to allow room for growth.
Trim the tops with clean aquascaping scissors. Remove excess cuttings and replant healthy trimmings to create denser growth.
This is usually caused by insufficient light, overcrowding or a lack of regular trimming. Increase light appropriately and prune the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Yes. Its dense growth provides shelter and additional surfaces for biofilm, making it a useful plant for shrimp tanks.
Planting large, tightly packed portions instead of separating the stems.
Using insufficient lighting for the desired growth style.
Failing to trim the plant regularly.
Allowing the lower stems to become shaded.
Neglecting water-column nutrients.
Planting it in an aquarium with unstable water parameters.
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