This listing is for ONE bunch of Baby Tears plant from my healthy and snail free betta fish tank. You will receive a bunch of plant with similar size to the one shown on my hand.
Baby Tears is a popular carpeting aquarium plant known for its tiny, bright green leaves that create a lush, dense mat across the substrate. Often identified as Hemianthus callitrichoides or Hemianthus micranthemoides, it’s a favorite among aquascapers for its ability to create a natural, jungle-like foreground.
What Is Baby Tears?
• Appearance:
The plant features minuscule, round leaves that form a thick, carpet-like growth. Its delicate appearance makes it ideal for creating a “green carpet” effect in the front or midground of an aquarium.
• Usage in Aquascaping:
Baby Tears is primarily used as a foreground plant. When grown successfully, it forms a uniform and dense cover that can dramatically enhance the aesthetic of an aquascape.
• Growth Characteristics:
It grows relatively slowly and can be challenging to establish a full carpet without the right conditions. However, once established, its low profile and lush appearance provide a striking visual contrast with taller plants.
How to Grow Baby Tears
1. Lighting
• Intensity:
Baby Tears requires moderate to high lighting to thrive. The brighter the light, the denser and healthier the carpet will become.
• Impact on Growth:
Insufficient light may result in a sparse or leggy appearance, so positioning the plant in a well-lit area of your aquarium is essential.
2. CO₂ and Nutrients
• CO₂ Injection:
While not absolutely mandatory, providing supplemental CO₂ can greatly enhance growth and help maintain the compact carpet appearance.
• Fertilization:
A nutrient-rich substrate or the use of liquid fertilizers is beneficial. Iron and other micronutrients are particularly important, as they help the plant develop its vibrant green color.
3. Substrate and Planting
• Substrate Choice:
Use a fine, nutrient-rich substrate that encourages root development. Specialized aquatic plant substrates or aquasoils are excellent choices.
• Planting Technique:
Gently plant small clumps or individual shoots on the substrate surface. Over time, the plant will spread via runners and form a continuous carpet. Be careful not to bury the very fine roots too deep; just cover them lightly.
4. Water Conditions
• Temperature:
Baby Tears thrives in tropical water temperatures, ideally between 72°F and 82°F (22°C–28°C).
• pH and Hardness:
A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.5–7.5) is optimal. Consistent water quality, maintained by regular water changes and proper filtration, will support robust growth.
5. Maintenance and Propagation
• Trimming:
Regular, gentle trimming can encourage denser growth and prevent the carpet from thinning out over time.
• Propagation:
Baby Tears spreads through runners; if you notice a particularly dense area, you can gently separate a portion and replant it elsewhere in your tank.
• Patience:
Establishing a full carpet may take some time, especially under less-than-ideal conditions. Patience and consistent care are key.
By providing high lighting, supplemental CO₂ (if possible), a nutrient-rich substrate, and stable water conditions, you can successfully cultivate Baby Tears into a vibrant, lush carpet that enhances the overall beauty of your aquarium.
