Pearl Weed (Micranthemum glomeratum)

Pearl Weed (Micranthemum glomeratum) is a wonderfully versatile small-leaved stem plant that can be trimmed low as a bright carpet or left to grow up as a bushy midground accent. It’s fast and forgiving, and the fine foliage pearls with oxygen under good light. A flexible choice for aquascapers who like to shape their plants.

A note on the name. This plant spent decades in the hobby labelled Hemianthus micranthemoides — or, under its later genus placement, Micranthemum micranthemoides — the North American species that was presumed extinct in the wild for most of a century. What has actually been circulating in aquariums is Micranthemum glomeratum, a related Florida species. Same plant you’ve always grown; the label finally caught up. If you see it sold under either old name, that is what it is.

Care level: Easy · Placement: Foreground/Midground · Lighting: Low-Medium · CO2: Beneficial · Growth rate: Fast · Propagation: cuttings