✦ DIFFICULTY Moderate

Benefits from more deliberate care.

☀ LIGHT High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

≈ CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

↗ GROWTH Medium

Biweekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Micranthemum umbrosum

A bright-green stem of tiny round leaves; a fuller 'baby tears'.

Micranthemum Umbrosum, better known as Baby Tears' bulkier sibling, brings small round bright green leaves on stems that bush out fast under decent light, making it a favorite for stem plant walls and quick-fill midground clusters. It roots shallow but grows eager, tossing out side shoots that thicken into a dense leafy screen within weeks. Unlike the fussier Hemianthus micranthemoides, this one tolerates a wider swing in hardness and lighting, so it won't sulk if your water parameters aren't dialed to the decimal. Trim it regularly or it'll happily take over the whole tank.
Shrimp friendly Nano 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 placementMidground
Typical height2–6 in
Typical width3 in
Suggested minimum tank5 gal
Suggested tank height8 in+
☀
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightHigh
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR40–100
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitHigh
●
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsModerate
≈
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–80°F
pH5.5–7.2
GH1–12 dGH
KH0–8 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant small portions in a grid; good light and CO2 drive it to carpet.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Runners / division

Acclimation

Melts back before carpeting if light/CO2 are marginal.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Fails to stay low and carpet without strong light and CO2; lifts if roots are shallow.