Tissue Culture

Hemianthus callitrichoides is one of the smallest aquarium plants in the world, and creeps over the bottom with millimetre-sized, round leaves. Hemianthus callitrichoides is an attractive and popular foreground plant for small aquariums. It is not a difficult plant, but it requires good conditions such as enough light, added CO2, water circulation and fertilizer to thrive. If these conditions are hard to create, you may use Micranthemum ‘Monte-Carlo’ as an alternative, as it is less demanding. Small pearls or bubbles of oxygen are often produced on top of the plants, adding a very lively aspect to the carpet.If planted in small clumps a few centimetres apart, it will spread rapidly and cover the bottom like a carpet. Trim the carpet regularly, otherwise the lower parts will not get enough light causing root death. Found on Cuba, west of Havana.

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis from South America can grow very compact, but a “lawn effect” (4-7 cm tall) is only achieved at high light intensity. When planting in the aquarium small clumps (approx. 1/8 pot) should be placed a few centimetres apart to help the plants grow together more quickly. Place in an open position without shading from other plants to ensure good light. Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used in garden ponds, and also tolerates low salt concentrations in brackish aquariums.