Pearl Weed – Hemianthus micranthemoides

Pearl Weed, also known as Hemianthus micranthemoides or sometimes Micranthemum micranthemoides, is a delicate, bright green freshwater plant prized for its versatility and compact, bushy growth. Its often used as a carpeting or midground plant in aquascapes due to its fine leaves and ability to form dense mats.

Description:

Common Name: Pearl Weed

Scientific Name: Hemianthus micranthemoides

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Size: Can grow up to 2-6 inches (5-15 cm)

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region:

Pearl Weed is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows submerged in slow-moving streams and shallow water bodies.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Suitable for nano to large aquariums

Temperature: 68-82F (20-28C)

pH: 5.5-7.5

Lighting: Moderate to high

CO2: Recommended for compact growth and vibrant coloration

Substrate: Fine-grained, nutrient-rich substrate

Additional Tips:

Versatile Placement: Can be trimmed as a carpet or left taller for midground coverage.

Dense Growth: Frequent trimming encourages horizontal spreading and compact form.

Excellent for Aquascaping: Provides texture and contrast, especially in nature-style layouts.