Freshwater

Figure 17-1:
Baby tears
grows very
fast.
Baby tears (Micranthemum umbrosum)
Baby tears (Figure 17-1) is an amazing plant that is very fast growing and covers
surfaces like a carpet. For this reason, it is recommended that you use it for
larger tanks (over 30 gallons). In good conditions, this plant spreads like wildfire,
so you will need to prune it back from time to time unless you want your
aquarium to look like an uncut back lot or the front steps of a funeral home.
This plant also grows well if you allow it to float, and many species of fish just
don’t seem to like the taste of it, making it a good one to purchase if you have
fish that like to nibble on foliage too much. Baby tears is also very hardy and
seems to be able to put up with beginner’s mistakes.
This plant has delicate little clusters of slightly round leaves (shaped, not surprisingly,
like a baby’s tear) that are a beautiful light green color. CO2 addition
is recommended for the best growth, but it will survive without CO2 added.
Level: Easy
Temperature: 70–80 degrees F
Light: Bright
PH : 5.5–7.5
Placement: Foreground
Chapter 17: Choosing Plant Species for Your Tank
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