Hemianthus micranthemoides (Baby Tears, Pearl Grass, Pearl Weed)
Hemianthus micranthemoides - (Baby Tears, Pearl Grass, Pearl Weed, "Micranthemum micranthemoides")
Our single most popular product is now improved - cultured to perfection and ready to plant! You cannot go wrong our baby tears. It is beautiful, hardy, fast growing and can be used anywhere from the midground to foreground to carpeting ground cover. This plant also grows really well attached to driftwood. Possibly the most popular species in planted aquariums - for good reason...
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Easy
Size: Individual stem width of 0.5 - 1cm, height of 5 - 15cm+
Native Range: Mid-Atlantic region of the United States (Florida)
Position and Usage: Background, midground or foreground
Growth Rate: Fast
Lighting: 3/5+ - higher light promotes shorter bushier growth.
Water Conditions: Slightly acidic to neutral water preferred
CO2: Not required
Propagation: Cuttings can be re-planted in the substrate
Special requirements: High levels of PO4 (1.5-2ppm), regular doses of nitrate, and frequent iron/micronutrient supplementation will encourage healthy growth; highly sensitive to fish medications.
Description
Native to Florida, Hemianthus micranthemoides is a versatile species that can be found growing in both wet depressions and stagnant waters. This plant, also known as pearl grass, can be pruned to create a lush carpet in the foreground of a tank. It is also well-suited to midground placement and grows nicely when attached to driftwood. Ample lighting and CO2 injection will encourage faster, bushier growth. However, it is a tolerant species that does not require CO2 injection, making it an excellent candidate for low-tech aquaria. It appreciates regular micronutrient supplementation but should thrive without. H. micranthemoides grows just three to four leaves per whorl and, as such, needs ample lighting or it will appear tall and sparse. Heavy trimming is recommended to encourage thick, healthy growth; nitrate and phosphate supplementation are necessary to sustain exceptionally dense growth. Cuttings can be re-planted in the substrate where they will eventually take root. With its small leaf size, H. micranthemoides can be easily adapted to nano aquascapes.
