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Pearl Weed (3 cups)

Hemianthus micranthemoides

Pearl Weed is an exceptionally versatile stem plant whose growth can be controlled through lighting, allowing placement in the foreground, midground, or background!

What We Like About This Plant:

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: Indigenous to Southeastern United States

Aquarium placement: Any

Care: Easy

This amazing aquatic plant has small, narrow, bright green leaves that grow oppositely, in whorls of 3-4; forming attractive vegetation for aquascaping.

Pearl Weed also forms dense mats under intense lighting conditions and will grow upright in low lighting, and in contrast, forms dense mats under intense lighting conditions.

Pearl Weed derives its names from the leaves that produce oxygen bubbles from their surface as a result of optimal photosynthesis aided by CO2 supplementation and ample light levels.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

Tank size:

Pearl Weed can be grown in a variety of tanks; including nano aquariums, but is best cultivated in a tank of at least 10 gallons.

Water type, Temperature, Hardness, and pH:

Temperature: The ideal water temperature for growing Pearl Weed is between the range of 19 – 28 °C (66 – 82 °F).

pH: The optimal pH level for Pearl Weed is between 6.5 – 7.5.

Hardness: Pearl Weed is a resilient plant, it will thrive in soft – hard water: 1 – 15 KH and 1 – 20 GH.

Lighting:

Pearl Weed can be used as a carpeting plant under high light. In most cases, high lighting causes more compact, bushier growth with lots of runners. Low light will cause upward growth with longer distance between the leaf nodes and darker leaves.

To promote optimal growth and ideal coloration in Pearl Weed, maintain lighting for up to 10 hours daily.

Substrate:

Pearl Weed can grow in any substrate, including sand and gravel. It does not require a nutrient-rich substrate.

CO2 and fertilization:

CO2 supplementation for Pearl Weed is not required. This aquatic plant grows well in low-tech tanks.

CO2 supplementation will promote dense growth, spurs the growth rate, and facilitates pearling.

Fertilizers are essential nourishment for Pearl Weed. Fertilization assists in optimal condition and encourages the steady growth of shoots.

Pearl Weed is mostly a water column feeder plant; the root system is pretty weak. Water column feeders, like Pearl Weed, absorb nutrients primarily through its leaves. Meaning, you need to dose liquid fertilizers.

Care and Maintenance of Pearl Weed

Care and maintenance of Pearl Weed is highly dependent on nutrient availability, the intensity of lighting, and if CO2 supplementation is used.

Growth rate:

This aquarium plant will experience a period of slow growth while adapting to tank conditions. After this period of dormancy and with good conditions the plant will flourish, requiring frequent prunings. One plant is able to carpet a small aquarium in 2-3 months.

Trimming:

Without regular pruning, the plant will grow quite bushy and that’s good for the mid-ground/ background. A semi-regular pruning can help train the plant to keep the desired shape.

As a foreground plant, the shoots will require constant and aggressive pruning to maintain a short and compact form. Heavy trimmings promote dense growth and formation of side shoots.

The bottom line is to cultivate and prune the foliage into the form or shape you desire in your aquarium.

Planting and Propagation of Pearl Weed

Like most stem plants, Pearl Weed may be planted by placing the healthy stems into a substrate. Split the plant into several portions and plant them in the substrate using a pair of aquarium tweezers.

Pearl Weed can be used as a floater to create shade, while some grow it as a carpet, and others layer it to create depth.

Pearl Weed will often send off runners and propagate on its own. Another surefire method is to cut mature stems in half and place or float the newly cut stems.

Problems Associated with Pearl Weed

Melting: One of the problems associated with Pearl Weed is the phenomenon that often takes place when the plant is transferred from an emersed to a submersed environment.

This physical transfer/change in the environment triggers an adverse response in the plant; indicated by the gradual shedding of leaves in the first few weeks. I want you to understand that this is a normal occurrence in transferred stem plants. And when the plant settles fully in your aquarium — it will assume a submersed growth form, then develop new leaves.

Leggy bottom leaves: When Pearl Weed gets really dense the bottom leaves will yellow and die back from lack of light. Regular trimming prevents lower portions of the plant from becoming shaded. It will also maintain the bright green leaves.

Yellowing leaves: Pearl Weed is highly dependent on nutrient availability in the water column.

Benefits of Pearl Weed

Aquascape: The shape and versatility of Pearl Weed will be an excellent decorative addition for any aquascape.

Versatility: Pearl Weed is one of a few plants that look good as a carpet, background, floating plant.

Removal of excess nutrients: If you struggle with nitrates, Pearl Weed will help you out. This plant absorbs and utilizes harmful chemicals that are emitted from fish waste, decayed plant matter, and tap water such as nitrates, ammonia, and phosphates.

Movability: Once planted Pearl Weed can be easily moved or removed.

Hiding place: It serves as a perfect hiding place for shrimp and fish.

Foraging place: Acts as a buffet of biofilm, which is an ideal first food for newly hatched fry and shrimplets.

Oxygenation: Pearl Weed oxygenates and aerates the tank water.

Quarantine Pearl Weed

Before planting, make sure to disinfect the stems in a bleach solution to eliminate pest snails, algae, and parasites that can wreak havoc in the tank.

Current Price: $29.99

Stock Level: 99

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