✦ 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, often sold under that name but more accurately Monosolenium Tenerum, is a liverwort rather than a true moss, forming flat ribbon-like fronds that branch out in an irregular, almost coral-like tangle instead of the fuzzy strands you'd expect from java moss. It's slow growing and stays low, making it a solid choice for foreground texture or attaching to driftwood and rock where you want something denser and darker green than typical mosses. Tie it down and it'll root itself in over several weeks, holding up well under moderate light without demanding much in the way of ferts or CO2. Shrimp keepers love the tangled structure since it traps biofilm and gives babies plenty of places to vanish into.
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.