Riccardia graeffei

About this plant

Riccardia graeffei is a tropical liverwort used in aquascaping under names such as Mini Pellia, Coral Moss and Riccardia sp. 'Graeffei'. It forms deeply green, finely branched cushions on rock and wood, but it is not a true moss. Identification deserves caution: several different Riccardia forms circulate in the aquarium trade, and confirming R. graeffei may require microscopic examination and reliable collection information. The cultivated trade plant grows slowly and performs best in a mature, stable aquarium with medium light, carbon dioxide addition and a complete nutrient supply. Press or glue small portions into hardscape crevices and trim thick cushions before their lower layers deteriorate and detach. The brittle branches make propagation easy because each separated fragment can establish a new patch. Riccardia can also grow emersed in consistently humid conditions. Its low, layered texture is especially effective on detailed hardscape, in nano aquariums and as a foreground accent around stone.