Giant Baby Tears [Micranthemum Umbrosum]

About Micranthemum umbrosum Carpet

The Micranthemum umbrosum carpet—also known as Giant Baby Tears—is a lush, bright-green aquatic plant prized for creating dense foreground carpets in freshwater aquariums and aquascapes. With its tiny round leaves and fast horizontal spread, it forms a vibrant, oxygenating mat that enhances water quality and visual depth.

Native to North America, Micranthemum umbrosum adapts easily to a range of setups, from low-tech planted tanks to high-tech CO₂ systems. Its compact form and flexible growth pattern make it ideal for both beginners and experienced aquascapers seeking a natural, vivid green base layer.

Key Features & Benefits

✅ Perfect Carpeting Plant: Quickly forms a lush, uniform carpet that beautifies any aquarium floor or aquascape foreground.
✅ Easy to Grow: Thrives under moderate light; no CO₂ required (but growth accelerates with CO₂ injection).
✅ Fast Spreading Growth: Establishes roots quickly and expands across substrate to create a dense mat of greenery.
✅ Improves Aquarium Health: Aids in natural filtration, oxygenation, and nutrient absorption to maintain balanced water parameters.
✅ Versatile Use: Suitable for nano tanks, paludariums, terrariums, or as a midground plant in larger aquascapes.

Ideal Conditions for Growth

Ensure consistent lighting and nutrient-rich substrate to promote compact, horizontal growth. Occasional trimming helps maintain an even carpet and prevents vertical stretching.

Aquascaping Tips

• Foreground Focus: Plant small bunches of Micranthemum umbrosum evenly across the substrate, leaving small gaps to allow for horizontal spread.

• Trimming: Regularly prune to maintain a low, bushy appearance.

• Compatibility: Pairs beautifully with driftwood, Seiryu stones, Anubias, and moss species for natural-style aquascapes.

• Low-Tech Friendly: Ideal for low-maintenance tanks without CO₂; still rewards advanced setups with faster coverage.

Why Buy From Terrarium Wolf

Fresh, Healthy Plants: Sourced directly from sustainable aquatic farms and shipped in optimal conditions.
Expert Care Advice: Each order includes detailed planting and care guidelines.
Fast Nationwide Delivery: Carefully packed to maintain freshness upon arrival.
Trusted by Aquascapers: Our curated selection supports natural, aesthetic aquascaping.

If you want to create a vibrant green carpet that’s easy to maintain, resilient, and visually stunning, the Micranthemum umbrosum carpet (Giant Baby Tears) is your perfect choice. Its lush growth transforms the aquarium floor into a living landscape that complements any aquascape style—from minimalist Iwagumi to lush jungle tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Micranthemum umbrosum Carpet

 

1. What is Micranthemum umbrosum carpet and why is it popular in aquascaping?

Micranthemum umbrosum carpet—also known as Giant Baby Tears—is a freshwater aquarium plant that forms a lush green carpet across the tank floor. It’s popular for its small round leaves, fast growth, and ability to create a natural, bright foreground in aquascapes. It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced hobbyists who want a vibrant, easy-care carpet plant.

2. Does Micranthemum umbrosum carpet need CO₂ injection to grow?

CO₂ injection is not required for Micranthemum umbrosum carpet, but it can enhance growth speed and density. The plant thrives in low-tech and mid-tech aquariums with medium to high lighting and nutrient-rich substrate. Even without CO₂, it spreads beautifully when given consistent light and trimming.

3. How do I plant Micranthemum umbrosum carpet in my aquarium?

To plant Micranthemum umbrosum carpet, divide the stems into small clusters and plant them evenly across the foreground using tweezers. Press gently into the substrate to ensure good root contact. Leave small gaps (about 2–3 cm) between clusters so the carpet can spread and fill the area naturally.

4. How fast does Micranthemum umbrosum carpet grow?

Under optimal conditions—moderate light, nutrient-rich substrate, and steady water parameters—the Micranthemum umbrosum carpet can show noticeable growth within 1–2 weeks. With CO₂, it establishes faster and forms a full carpet within 4–6 weeks. Regular trimming helps keep it compact and dense.

5. Can Micranthemum umbrosum be grown emersed (above water)?

Yes! Micranthemum umbrosum can be grown emersed in humid environments such as terrariums or paludariums. It adapts well to moist soil with indirect light, making it a versatile plant for both submerged aquascapes and emersed setups.

6. What lighting does Micranthemum umbrosum carpet require?

This plant prefers medium to high lighting. Insufficient light causes vertical stretching and loose growth, while balanced light encourages compact, horizontal carpet formation. Use full-spectrum LED lighting for the best color and density.

7. How do I maintain and trim a Micranthemum umbrosum carpet?

Trim regularly with aquascaping scissors to prevent overgrowth and allow light to reach the lower layers. Remove excess trimmings to maintain water quality. Healthy carpets grow denser and thicker when trimmed lightly every few weeks, promoting steady horizontal spread