How do you care for Monosolenium tenerum (Pellia)?

Reviewed by the Fast Aquatics husbandry team · Updated May 2026
Quick answerMonosolenium tenerum (Pellia, formerly Riccardia) is a slow-growing aquatic moss-like liverwort. Tie to wood or rock with cotton thread. Tolerates 65-82°F, low-medium light, no CO2 needed. Trim with scissors to maintain shape.

Full answer

Monosolenium tenerum (Pellia) is a thallose liverwort native to Asia, popular for aquascaping due to its bright green flat fronds. Substrate: none - tied to hardscape with cotton thread. Cotton dissolves over weeks; the moss attaches to surface. Light: low-medium (15-40 PAR). High light triggers algae problems. Temperature: 65-82°F, ideal 70-78°F. CO2: not required but accelerates growth 3-5x. Trimming: trim with sharp scissors every 2-3 months to maintain compact shape. Common issues: melt during dry-start (mist daily), brown patches from too much light. Often confused with Pellia endiviifolia (terrestrial liverwort) - aquatic version is Monosolenium.

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