(the portion)
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, forming beautiful cushions of dark and translucent green at the bottom of the water.
Its special feature? Unlike Riccia, which always tries to float, Pellia is heavier than water. It naturally sinks to rest on the bottom, making it very easy to use in natural fishkeeping. It is the ultimate refuge for microfauna.
Why choose Pellia?
- ⬇️ It does not float: this is its great "practical" advantage. No need to struggle to keep it on the ground, gravity does the work. You can simply place it or gently wedge it between two stones.
- 🦐 The palace for Water lice and fry: its thallus structure (flat and 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 perfect candidate to dress the dark areas of your tank or the base of your roots.
- 🧩 A fragility... reproductive! It is a brittle plant, but do not worry: this is its survival strategy. Like Azolla on the surface, every small fragment that breaks off can regrow to form a new plant. It is nature multiplying itself.
Planting and maintenance tips
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Placement: it is stunning in the foreground or placed on a root. Handle it gently as it breaks like glass.
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Soil and nutrition: being an epiphytic plant (growing on a support), it feeds exclusively through the water column. The soil type matters little; it grows very well on sand or directly on the decoration.
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Care: if the cushion becomes too large, simply trim it with scissors. Collect the cut pieces to replant elsewhere: it is a generous plant that readily colonizes free spaces if left to do so.
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Temperature: it is very tolerant, with a wide range from 5 to 30°C.
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Light: it prefers low to medium lighting. Too strong light could encourage algae on its surface because it grows slowly.
Possible uses
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Nano-aquarium and Shrimp/Water lice: it is the queen plant for small volumes. It offers an endless grazing surface for detritivores.
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Low-tech aquarium without filter: its slow growth and robustness make it a valuable ally for naturally balanced tanks.
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Wabi-Kusa and Paludariums: it thrives very well in an emerged form if 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 thallose liverwort. It is closer to terrestrial liverworts than to Java Moss. Its texture is more "fleshy" and brittle.
Do fish eat it?
No, its somewhat tough and particular texture is generally not liked by herbivorous fish.
Is CO2 needed?
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 enough for it.
Why is my Pellia breaking into pieces?
It is its nature! It is very mechanically fragile. Avoid placing it in strong currents or with overly lively fish that could damage it.
Additional information
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Scientific name: Monosolenium tenerum (formerly mistakenly known as Pellia endiviifolia)
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Origin: Asia (China, Japan, Thailand)
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Height: forms cushions 3 to 10 cm high
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Packaging: the portion.
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Aquazolla guarantee: without 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 normally not naturalize, but we must protect our ecosystems.
