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Tissue Cultured Plants

Hard to source species for especially humid environments

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About Our Tissue Cultured Plants

General Tissue Cultured Terrarium Plant Info
The plants offered in this section were cultivated in a laboratory under sterile conditions. We did some comparative research before settling on our tissue plant supplier, and we're confident that you'll be satisfied with the quality & amount of plant material in each cup. These are ready for immediate planting after a quick rinse to remove the nutrient medium. We've specially selected the inventory below to include mostly species which can also thrive when planted in aquatic, semi-aquatic (marginal), and terrestrial locations.

Growing Tissue Cultured Plants In A Bioactive Terrarium / Live Vivarium
Most of the plants below require higher humidity & moisture levels than many of the other plants we grow and sell at NEHERP. We don't recommend the below plants unless your enclosure will average over 70% relative humidity. Glass Inserts for Exo Terra and Zoo Med enclosures can help ensure humidity stays nice & high, and automated Misting Systems will go a long way to help. As always, don't hesitate to contact us if you've got questions. We're happy to help!

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A temporary exception to typical order processing times is in effect. Please check the Updates Page for more info.
We are currently unable to honor requests for rushed processing, order add-ons, or special order modifications.

Weather Related Exception & Delay Notice

A weather event may impact order processing times. Please check the Updates Page for more information.

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Ordering perishables outside of a 1-day zone? Please select express shipping for safer transit, and to qualify for a live arrival guarantee. Read More... We want you to have a great experience, so we’ll pack your order carefully, include a free ice pack, and schedule it to avoid weekend delays. With temperatures so high between our locations, reviewing our perishable shipping tool & policy before you order is very important. Selecting a not-guaranteed shipping method may result in your order being delayed and/or shipped at your own risk. Hide this warning...

❄ Freezing Weather Notice ❄

Ordering perishables outside of a 1-day zone? Please select express shipping for safer transit, and to qualify for a live arrival guarantee. Read More... We want you to have a great experience, so we’ll pack your order carefully, include a free heat pack, and schedule it to avoid weekend delays. With temperatures so low between our locations, reviewing our perishable shipping tool & policy before you order is very important. Selecting a not-guaranteed shipping method may result in your order being delayed and/or shipped at your own risk. Hide this warning...

Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'

Dwarf Baby Tears

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a 3-5cm (1.2-2in) max height, and is considered a medium-speed grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
This species has some of the smallest leaves of any plant commonly grown in a terrarium environment. Since the leaves are so small, this species will form what looks like a green carpet when conditions are right. Dwarf Baby Tears requires high levels of humidity to thrive in a terrarium, and does best with frequent misting. Any of our NEHERP Vivarium Lighting Kits will provide plenty of light. Not recommended for use in less humid environments, or in enclosures which don't use automated misting. Dividing this plant into very small portions & allowing it to spread outward will be the fastest way to create a carpeted look.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
Hemianthus callitrichoides is one of the smallest aquarium plants in the world, and creeps over the bottom with millimetre-sized, round leaves. Hemianthus callitrichoides is an attractive and popular foreground plant for small aquariums. It is not a difficult plant, but it requires good conditions such as enough light, added CO2, water circulation and fertilizer to thrive. If these conditions are hard to create, you may use Micranthemum ‘Monte-Carlo’ as an alternative, as it is less demanding. Small pearls or bubbles of oxygen are often produced on top of the plants, adding a very lively aspect to the carpet. If planted in small clumps a few centimetres apart, it will spread rapidly and cover the bottom like a carpet. Trim the carpet regularly, otherwise the lower parts will not get enough light causing root death. Found on Cuba, west of Havana.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

We don't have any of this plant ready to ship immediately, but we're expecting some to arrive soon. If ordered today, we'll reserve the first (and usually largest) plants from the batch, and you can expect it to ship within 7-12 business days. Please do not purchase this plant if you'd rather not work around this longer processing schedule. Note: If enough people reserve this plant, it may sell out before ever becoming publicly available.

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Microsorum pteropus

Java Fern

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a ~40cm (15in) max height when grown in great conditions, and is considered a medium-speed grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
This species can thrive out of water if kept in a highly humid environment which is misted frequently. For the most part, we recommend using this fern in water features, paludariums, and aquariums with the roots submerged or partially submerged in water. The leaves will grow out of the water feature, and the plant will grow to creep alongside the rim. This will sprout daughter plants off of older leaves, which can be split-off and planted elsewhere.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
Microsorum pteropus is a water fern from Asia, 15-30 cm tall. To be grown on a root or stone, attached with Floral Mounting Line until it has gained a hold. If planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome because it will rot. Easy to propagate by splitting the horizontal rhizome. A hardy plant that grows in all conditions. The black spots under the leaves are sporangia (reproductive organs), not signs of disease, as many believe.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Ranunculus inundatus

River Buttercup

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a 10-15cm (3.9-5.9in) max height, and is considered a fast grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
This funky & small species thrives in humid enclosures which are misted frequently, and is one of the more tolerant & flexible tissue cultured plants we offer. We recommend planting it in any brightly lit location directly in vivarium substrate, and in the path of an automated mister when possible. These can also be grown directly in shallow water, where it will creep out & spread slowly. This is also a popular species in the hobby of kokedama. ^{External link}

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
This species comes from Australia and becomes 5-10 cm tall. There are many species and variants of Ranunculus, which grow coarse and leggy in aquariums. Ranunculus inundatus is characterised by its compact form and distinguished, deeply cut umbrellas. The plant forms many vertical runners with new plants and over time thick bottom coverage is formed. Good lighting produces compact growth. Long leaves can be pruned.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Riccia fluitans

Floating Crystalwort

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a ~5cm (1.9in) max height, and is considered a fast grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
This is probably one of the most sought-after "moss-like" species in the vivarium hobby, and is one of Mike's (the owner of NEHERP) favorite plants for ground cover. (The photos above don't do Riccia justice!) It will grow directly on our vivarium substrates, but requires high humidity and/or fairly frequent misting to thrive. We also recommend one of our enclosure-specific recommended LED lighting solutions if you'd like to give this plant a shot. We've also seen Riccia thrive when planted on Cork, Ghostwood, and Custom Backgrounds, so long as everything is humid & misted frequently enough. Recommended only for use with very small inhabitants, since anything much larger than a dart frog will fairly easily knock-off and/or damage this plant. Also grows well aquatically either floating on the surface, or when pinned down beneath the water.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
Japanese Takashi Amano has inspired many aquarium owners to keep the 1-5 cm tall cosmopolitic liverwort, Riccia fluitans, submerged. It can be kept down by tying it to a stone with a piece of Floral Mounting Line, but new shoots always grow towards the surface, so it may be necessary to prune it with scissors. Riccia fluitans thrives best with added CO2 and in good growing conditions small oxygen bubbles form on the leaf tips. As a traditional floating plant it offers good protection for young fish

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Taxiphyllum barbieri

Java Moss*

* Although it's often called Java Moss, this is technically a different species (See below)

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a 5-10cm (3.9-5.9in) max height, and is considered a medium-speed grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
Another highly sought after species which we're excited to carry. Most sources & growers call this stuff Java Moss, but our supplier is quick to note that technically isn't. Wikipedia explains ^{External link} some conflicting information between this species & Vesicularia dubyana... Regardless of what you call it, this moss is an awesome & fairly versatile species. Although frequently marketed as an aquatic species, dart frog enthusiasts keeping enclosures with high humidity levels (over 75% R/H) have had luck with this plant out of water for years. We consider some die-off normal at first, since the plant will need a little time to acclimate to life outside the water. This species is frequently planted epiphytically on Ghostwood, Cork, and other types of wood decor if the enclosure is humid enough, but can also grow directly on vivarium substrate. If you'll be planting it on substrate in hopes of creating a green ground cover, we recommend dividing the portion into smaller areas and planting each an inch or so apart. The practice of planting this species into evenly spaced divisions will result in a full ground cover faster than planting it all in one spot and waiting. Recommended only for use with very small inhabitants, since anything much larger than a dart frog will fairly easily knock-off and/or damage this plant. Also grows great in water features & paludariums.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
Taxiphyllum barbieri from South-East Asia is a hardy plant which makes few demands on the water or light. The moss becomes 3-10 cm thick and grows willingly on any surface, so it is ideal for decorating stones and tree roots or concealing installations in the aquarium. Attach the plant with a piece of Floral Mounting Line or cotton thread until it has gained a hold on the décor. If its growth becomes too luxuriant, it can be pruned with scissors. In breeding aquariums Taxiphyllum barbieri is a wonderful hiding place for the young fish.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Utricularia graminifolia

Carnivorous Bladderwort

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a 2-8cm (1.2-2in) max height, and is considered a medium-speed grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums / Paludariums
This carnivorous plant can be planted submerged in water, or terrestrially in wet marsh or bog-like ecosystems. It is carnivorous, and will consume tiny insects and protozoans as it's primary source of nutrients. Under water, it grows in a tight bright green sheet which looks like a submerged lawn. In marsh-like settings, it also sticks closely to the ground and spreads outward wherever adequate moisture is available. Recommended for freshwater aquatic setups, as well as terrestrial planting in extremely humid/wet environments.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
A unique carpeting bladderwort that can thrive submerged or emersed, making it versatile for aquascaping. It prefers soft water, low to medium lighting, and nutrient-poor substrate, and it’s well-suited for experienced hobbyists.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21% Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

We don't have any of this plant ready to ship immediately, but we're expecting some to grow out soon. If ordered today, we'll reserve the first (and usually largest) plants from the batch, and you can expect it to ship within 7-12 business days. Please do not purchase this plant if you'd rather not work around this longer processing schedule. Note: If enough people reserve this plant, it may sell out before ever becoming publicly available.

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Vesicularia dubyana

Christmas Moss

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species grows trailing downward, and is considered a slow grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
Vesicularia dubyana is an excellent choice for aquariums & wet terrariums. This is a beautiful species which can be planted in and around water features, paludariums, and in other locations where an abundance of moisture is found. If you'll be planting it under water, we recommend pinning it to some sinking driftwood (Malaysian or Mopani) for the best results. If mounting it epiphytically (out of water), be sure to keep it saturated until it's acclimated to the environment.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Vesicularia ferriei

Weeping Moss

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species grows trailing downward, and is considered a slow grower.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
Weeping Moss is a less commonly used species in the terrarium hobby, since it requires fairly high levels of humidity & moisture to thrive. We've seen images of this stuff growing on backgrounds, but we haven't had enough personal experience to confidently recommend doing so at this point. This is a beautiful species which can be planted in and around water features, paludariums, and in other locations where an abundance of moisture is found. If you'll be planting it under water, we recommend pinning it to some sinking driftwood (Malaysian or Mopani) for the best results. Recommended only for use with very small inhabitants, since anything much larger than a dart frog will fairly easily damage this plant.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
Vesicularia ferriei 'Weeping', commonly known as Weeping Moss, is believed to originate from China and has been distributed by Oriental Aquarium Plants. 'Weeping' is a fleshy, 1-3 cm tall hanging moss with teardrop-like bright green shoots. It is best attached to driftwood or roots, as its drooping growth pattern helps to create depth and contrast in the aquarium. 'Weeping' has low demands, is fast growing and should be pruned frequently with scissors to maintain an attractive shape.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Vesicularia montagnei

Weeping Moss

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General Description:
Sold in a well grown 2.75in clear cup. This species has a 5cm (3.9in) max height when grown in water, and is considered a slow grower. In our experience, this species stays a little shorter when grown in terrarium conditions.

NEHERP Staff Description:
Description for Terrariums / Vivariums
A favorite plant of many dart frog enthusiasts, Christmas Moss is extremely versatile. So long as conditions are humid & the growing surface is kept moist, we've seen Christmas Moss grow successfully on hardscape decor, backgrounds, and even as a ground cover. If conditions are good enough, some infrequent maintenance (trimming) may be necessary to ensure the plant grows in a preferred & appropriate way. Like most of the plants on this page, we strongly recommend high humidity (over 70%), and fairly frequent misting while the Moss acclimates. Recommended only for use with very small inhabitants, since anything much larger than a dart frog will fairly easily knock-off and/or damage this plant.

Grower Description:
Description for Aquariums
A moss speciality from Brasil, 1-3 cm tall, called "Christmas tree moss'', because of its side branch structure which distinguishes it from ordinary Vesicularia dubyana and looks like fir tree branches. It is more demanding than ordinary Java moss and grows more slowly. It attaches readily to roots and stones, and as it spreads in the water it needs pruning to keep its shape attractive. See also Taxiphyllum barbieri.

$13.99/ea Tissue Culture

21%+ Off!
$10.99/ea Tissue Culture

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Remaining plants in this category have sold out

Our tissue culture plant supplier has awesome quality, but their availability can be rough at times. (Certain plants may be unavailable for months! :-(

) We can't say for sure when specific species will be back in stock, but we'll be sure to restock as soon as they have some available. If you'd like to see a list of what's not currently available but might be soon, click the button below! Otherwise, please check out our Selaginella and Moss pages for plants with similar growth habits!
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All Plants Below Are Sold Out Or Reserved

Check out our Selaginella and Moss pages for plants with similar growth habits!