How to Anchor Umbrosum

Micranthemum umbrosum, or Baby Tears, is an aquatic plant native to Central America. It also grows abundantly in parts of the southeastern United States. Umbrosum is often used in aquarium displays because it is relatively simple to grow and is extremely hardy. The two main requirements are lots of strong light and keeping it successfully anchored to the floor of the tank. Do the latter in one of two ways -- bury the roots firmly into the substrate or use small commercially available aquatic plant weights.

Things You'll Need

  • 40-gallon or larger fish tank
  • Aquarium substrate
  • Metal aquatic plant weights
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase Micranthemum umbrosum in pots or in loose bunches of several stalks. These plants are available at aquarium supply stores or from online retailers. Purchase metal plant weights, if needed, from the same sources.

    • 2

      Cover the floor of a large (40 gallons or larger) fish tank with the substrate recommended for the type of fish the aquarium will hold. Put at least a 1-inch-deep layer of the substrate evenly across the entire aquarium floor.

    • 3

      Remove the plant stalks from the pot or banded bunch. Grasp several stalks at once in your hand. Bunch up the roots and push them firmly down into the substrate, using your fingers to spread out the roots. Anchor the umbrosum plants by replacing the substrate on top of the roots and the base of the stalk.

    • 4

      Anchor large bunches of plants by attaching small metal plant weights to their bases. Use your fingers to push the weighted root base of the plant into the substrate floor of the aquarium.