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Pellia (Monosolenium tenerum): the dark liverwort with a tender heart
A natural rarity with a fascinating texture
Often mistaken for a giant moss, Pellia (Monosolenium tenerum) is actually a liverwort. Extremely rare in the wild, it is a primitive plant without true leaves or roots that forms magnificent cushions of dark, translucent green on the bottom of the water.
Its special feature? Unlike Riccia, which is always trying to float, Pellia is heavier than water. It naturally sinks to settle on the bottom, making it very easy to use in natural aquariums. It is the ultimate refuge for microfauna.
Why choose Pellia?
- ⬇️ It does not float: this is its major practical advantage. There is no need to struggle to keep it on the bottom; gravity does the work. You can simply place it there or gently wedge it between two stones.
- 🦐 The palace of Water lice and fry: its thallus structure (flat, branched foliage) creates an impenetrable maze for predators. It is the ideal nursery for your water lice and fish fry.
- 🌑 A champion of shade: very undemanding, it thrives where other plants wither. It is the ideal candidate for dressing up dark areas of your tank or the base of your roots.
- 🧩 Fragile... and reproductive! It is a brittle plant, but do not worry: this is its survival strategy. Like Azolla at the surface, every small fragment that breaks off can grow back and form a new plant. Nature multiplying all by itself.
Planting and maintenance tips
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Placement: it looks stunning in the foreground or placed on a root. Handle it gently, as it breaks like glass.
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Substrate and nutrition: as an epiphytic plant (one that grows on a support), it feeds exclusively through the water column. The type of substrate is of little importance; it grows very well on sand or directly on the décor.
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Maintenance: if the cushion becomes too large, simply trim it with scissors. Collect the cut pieces and replant them elsewhere: it is a generous plant that readily colonizes open spaces if allowed to do so.
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Temperature: it is highly tolerant, with a wide range of 5 to 30°C.
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Light: it prefers low to medium lighting. Excessively intense light could encourage algae to grow on its surface because it grows slowly.
Possible uses
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Nano-aquariums and Shrimp/Water lice: it is the queen of small volumes. It provides an endless grazing surface for detritivores.
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Low-tech filterless aquariums: its slow growth and hardiness make it an excellent ally for naturally balanced tanks.
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Wabi-Kusa and Paludariums: it grows very well in emergent form when humidity is saturated (in a closed jar or a waterfall area), taking on a more compact appearance.
FAQ - Pellia (Monosolenium tenerum)
Is it a moss?
No, it is a thalloid liverwort. It is more closely related to terrestrial liverworts than to Java Moss. Its texture is more "fleshy" and brittle.
Do fish eat it?
No, its somewhat tough and unusual texture is generally not appealing to herbivorous fish.
Does it require CO2?
Absolutely not. It grows very well without added CO2, which is perfect for our natural approach. The carbon produced by the tank's biological activity is sufficient for it.
Why is my Pellia falling apart?
That is its nature! It is mechanically very fragile. Avoid placing it in a strong current or with overly active fish that could damage it.
Additional information
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Scientific name: Monosolenium tenerum (formerly incorrectly known as Pellia endiviifolia)
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Origin: Asia (China, Japan, Thailand)
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Height: forms cushions 3 to 10 cm tall
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Packaging: the portion.
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Aquazolla guarantee: no rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind.
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Recommendation: as a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild. It is not native to our regions and should not normally become naturalized, but we must preserve our ecosystems.
