Tissue Culture

• Reddish-brown slighly bullate leaves
• Grows relatively high
• Suitable for high temperatures

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.

Hygrophila pinnatifida originates from India. It obtains brown, patched leaves on the surface with a distinctive burgundy colour underneath. It forms multiple horizontal shoots if the top shoots are pinched. This will maintain compact and attractive growth. The horizontal side shoots easily attach to both wood and rocks. Growth is moderate, stems 15-40 cm tall and 10-20 cm wide, and the colour is attractive when planted in small groups with a plain background. Intense lighting ensures compact growth due to the plant’s slow to medium growth rate.

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.

The Asiatic Rotala sp. ‘Green’ is very similar to Rotala rotundifolia, but its leaves remain fresh and bright green, even with intensive light. Stems becomes 40-50 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The plant forms many side shoots willingly and obtains a beautiful, bushy and “hanging” growth. Prune it frequently to maintain healthy growth. An ideal starter plant that looks best when planted in large groups.

Aquarium plant from tissue culture in closed cup. Rotala wallichii is a demanding plant that develops red shoot tips in good light conditions. The most decorative effect can be achieved by planting a large number of stems in a group. Rotala walichii is good as background and midground plant and suitable even for small aquariums, because it is easy to prune if it grows too tall. CO2 addition boosts growth considerably. It also prefers soft, slightly acidic water.

Aquarium plant from tissue culture in closed cup. Asian Flame moss got its name from its form of growth. Tight, vertical and softly undulating shoots give the impression of a deep green campfire, 5-15 cm high. The special shape makes Flame moss very suitable for horizontal surfaces and it only spreads slowly horizontally. Attach the moss to small stones or in small bundles on tree roots to obtain a lovely effect.