Micranthemum Umbrosum

Micranthemum umbrosum

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Linderniaceae

📍 North America

Baby Tears or Pearl Grass, this cheerful stem plant produces tiny, round, bright green leaves and grows fast even without CO2. Ideal for mid-ground mounds or as a floating plant for shrimp tanks. Often confused with HC Cuba but its leaves are larger and it is far more tolerant of low-tech conditions.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Shrimp will not damage the plant and benefit from the dense foliage for shelter and grazing on biofilm

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, gentle algae-eaters that won't uproot or consume the plant; ideal for planted tanks

excellent

Ember Tetra

Peaceful nano fish that school among plants without damaging them; adds movement and color

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered aquascaping

excellent

Anubias Nana

Low-light companion plant with contrasting leaf shape; both thrive in low-tech setups

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that may occasionally nibble delicate leaves but generally safe; excellent algae control

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, or holes in foliage indicating micronutrient (iron, potassium) or macronutrient lack

Treatment

Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer weekly or use root tabs; perform 25-30% water changes to replenish nutrients; ensure adequate lighting for photosynthesis

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating plant surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant growth slowing

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily; increase water change frequency; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove visible algae; avoid overfeeding fish

Melting

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or dissolving; stems becoming soft and disintegrating

Treatment

Increase water change frequency to 50% weekly; check and adjust pH and temperature to optimal ranges (6.0-7.5, 20-28°C); ensure adequate CO2 and light; trim affected portions

Bacterial Rot

Symptoms

Blackened or decaying stems; foul odor from substrate; rapid plant deterioration

Treatment

Remove affected plant portions immediately; improve water circulation with increased aeration; perform 50% water change; reduce organic waste by removing uneaten food and dead plant matter