Dwarf Baby Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) is a popular aquatic carpeting plant, known for creating lush, green foregrounds in freshwater aquariums. While primarily used submerged, there’s growing interest in its ability to thrive outside of water, allowing for diverse planting methods.
Can Dwarf Baby Tears Grow Out of Water?
Dwarf Baby Tears can indeed grow successfully out of water. This is possible because Hemianthus callitrichoides is an amphibious plant, naturally adapting to both submerged and emersed conditions. While commonly associated with aquariums, its emersed form thrives when provided with the correct environmental factors.
Key Conditions for Emersed Growth
Humidity
Maintaining very high humidity is crucial for emersed Dwarf Baby Tears. The plant needs 80-100% humidity to prevent its tiny leaves from drying out. Covering the environment with a lid or plastic wrap traps moisture, mimicking its natural damp habitat. Daily misting supplements humidity, keeping foliage consistently moist.
Substrate
A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for emersed Dwarf Baby Tears. Options include commercial aquatic soils like ADA Aquasoil or other fine-grained, nutrient-rich soils. The substrate should be 2-3 inches deep for proper root development. While good drainage prevents waterlogging, it must also retain sufficient moisture to keep roots hydrated.
Light
Dwarf Baby Tears requires medium to high intensity lighting for healthy emersed growth and carpeting. Providing 10-12 hours of bright, full-spectrum light daily supports robust photosynthesis. Adequate intensity encourages horizontal spreading and dense mat formation, preventing leggy growth. LED lights designed for planted setups are effective for broad coverage.
Watering
Even when grown emersed, the substrate must remain consistently moist, but never waterlogged. Excess standing water can lead to mold or algae. Gentle misting or bottom watering helps maintain necessary moisture for the roots. Regularly monitoring substrate dampness prevents desiccation.
Applications and Setups for Emersed Dwarf Baby Tears
Emersed Dwarf Baby Tears is used in several specialized horticultural setups. Its compact growth makes it suitable for high-humidity closed terrariums, forming a dense, bright green carpet. The plant also thrives in paludariums, semi-aquatic environments often placed at the waterline or on elevated land sections.
Another popular application is Wabi-kusa, minimalist aquatic plant arrangements where plants grow above water from a soil ball. This method highlights the plant’s natural form. The Dry Start Method (DSM) is a widely used aquascaping technique where Dwarf Baby Tears is grown emersed in an aquarium before flooding. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system and dense carpet, minimizing issues like floating plants and algae once the tank is filled.
Differences Between Submerged and Emersed Forms
Dwarf Baby Tears changes distinctly when transitioning between submerged and emersed environments. Emersed leaves are often smaller, more rounded, and have a more compact growth habit. Submerged, leaves can appear slightly larger and less dense, sometimes growing taller if lighting or CO2 is insufficient.
Growth rate also differs. Emersed growth is often faster and more vigorous, especially compared to submerged growth without supplemental carbon dioxide. CO2 injection is less critical for emersed growth, as the plant accesses atmospheric CO2, but is often necessary for a dense submerged carpet. Emersed Dwarf Baby Tears may produce tiny, inconspicuous white flowers, rarely seen submerged.
Tips for Success and Common Challenges
When transitioning Dwarf Baby Tears, an adjustment period is often necessary, with some leaves melting or yellowing. Providing stable conditions helps the plant adapt quickly. Maintaining high humidity is paramount, but stagnant moisture can encourage mold or algae. Brief daily ventilation, such as lifting a cover, helps prevent these issues by allowing air exchange.
Common pests like fungus gnats can be managed through good hygiene. Consistent watering to keep the substrate moist, along with regular, light trimming, promotes denser growth and a healthy appearance. Stable temperature and light cycles also contribute to the plant’s long-term success.