▷ Pond liverwort in the aquarium | All information and details

Tender Liverwort – Appearance

The delicate liverwort is one of the filigree and light water plants. It has no adhesive organs and does not grow firmly on the substrate. If it gets enough light and nutrients, it thrives quickly and luxuriantly and forms magnificent cushions. The growth habit is branched, dense and reaches a height of up to ten centimetres.

Monosolenium tenerum develops an expansive and slightly transparent vegetation body, the so-called thallus. This thallus shows a color scheme from light green to medium to dark green. In the middle it forms a strong rib.

On closer inspection, tiny white spots can be seen on the upper and lower sides of the body. The cells of these spots lie on the epidermis and are filled with essential oils. On the underside, along the midrib, fine hair roots grow. These so-called rhizoids develop in two rows and are covered with small, elongated scales.

use and benefit

Liverwort is a grateful aquatic plant that develops magnificently with good care. Its attractive appearance and growth habit is excellent for covering up unsightly objects and bare bottom areas in the aquarium. It can be installed in the foreground, in the middle and in the background.

So that the light moss does not float in the pool, it must be fixed. An invisible nylon cord, for example a fishing line, is best suited for anchoring. It can also be attached with a special instant adhesive. Decorative stones, roots or special shards can be used as anchor objects. The design looks most natural when the moss does not cover everything and you can still see something of the object. Over time, the attachment disappears visually under the plant and is no longer noticeable.

Once the liverwort has taken root, it will grow into a small bush or cushion. Then you can also cut it into different shapes or divide it. However, Monosolenium tenerum is not only a design element, but above all a sought-after offer for the little inhabitants of the aquarium. If it has grown luxuriantly and forms dense branches, it serves as a great shelter for fish, dwarf shrimp and snails. They like to use it as a hiding place from where they can safely observe the surroundings. The moss also provides sufficient food from uneaten food.

maintenance and propagation

In order for the liverwort to form nice cushions in the aquarium, it needs sufficient light. If the lighting is too weak, it only develops narrow and thin parts. However, the brightness should not be too strong either. The right temperatures are 20 to 30 ° C and the pH should not exceed 5 to 8. As a rule, the plant does not require any additional nutrients in the occupied tank. If it grows too slowly and the color changes, check the light, nutrients and CO2.

If the liverwort shows dead or discolored leaves, these should be carefully cut off. In order to avoid that separated parts remain in the tank and continue to multiply, they must be removed from the water.

If deposits form on the plant over time, cleaning is advisable. For this purpose, the plant can be vacuumed or rinsed in the water. The next water change is a good opportunity to do so.

Liverworts are propagated by dividing the plant or by separating off daughter plants. It is important not to damage the roots if possible.