DIFFICULTY Easy–Moderate

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT Moderate

Around 9 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

GROWTH Slow

Low trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Pellia

A thick, brittle thalloid liverwort with a lush look.

Pellia is a fast, lush liverwort forming thick, forked green thalli, but it lacks true holdfasts, so it must be tied down with mesh or thread until anchored. Brittle and easily fragmented, it's an easy way to get a full, dark-green cushion on hardscape.
Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable Fry cover
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementEpiphyte
Typical height1–3 in
Typical width5 in
Suggested minimum tank2 gal
Suggested tank height6 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate
Photoperiod range8–11 hr
Approx. PAR20–55
Injected CO₂Optional
CO₂ benefitLow
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingVery Low
Water-column feedingLow
Overall fertilizer demandLow
Iron demandLow
MicronutrientsLow
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature64–80°F
pH5.5–7.5
GH2–15 dGH
KH1–12 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Attach to wood, rock or mesh
Hardscape: Can be attached to rock or wood.

Tie thinly to hardscape or mesh; trim to keep dense and prevent browning underneath.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Division

Acclimation

Slow to attach; keep flow moderate and rinse detritus.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Traps detritus and algae if not rinsed and trimmed; browns underneath when too thick.