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Micranthemum Umbrosum
Micranthemum umbrosum
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›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.
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Compatible Livestock
Shrimp will not damage the plant and benefit from the dense foliage for shelter and grazing on biofilm
Small, gentle algae-eaters that won't uproot or consume the plant; ideal for planted tanks
Peaceful nano fish that school among plants without damaging them; adds movement and color
Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements; creates layered aquascaping
Low-light companion plant with contrasting leaf shape; both thrive in low-tech setups
Larger shrimp that may occasionally nibble delicate leaves but generally safe; excellent algae control
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, or holes in foliage indicating micronutrient (iron, potassium) or macronutrient lack
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
Green, brown, or black algae coating plant surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant growth slowing
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
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or dissolving; stems becoming soft and disintegrating
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
Blackened or decaying stems; foul odor from substrate; rapid plant deterioration
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
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Medium–High
- placement
- Midground or floating
- tank size
- 10 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)