Lindernia rotundifolia

Scientific name: Lindernia rotundifolia

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 20 - 30 cm (7.87 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 18 - 28 °C (64.4 - 82.4°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Lateral shoots

Origin (in the wild): East Asia

How fast these plants grow: Fast

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle

Common Name

Baby’s Tears

Planting Area

Midground to Background

Propagation

Lindernia rotundifolia, or Baby’s Tears, can be propagated in a couple of straightforward ways, making it an easy plant to grow for aquarists. One common method is through lateral side shoots, which develop naturally and attach to the substrate over time. These side shoots can be gently detached from the mother plant and floated in the aquarium, where they will form their own root systems. Once the roots are established, the plantlets can be planted directly into the substrate.

Another method of propagation occurs if the plant is partially submerged in water. When the stems grow above the waterline, they can produce small flowers. These flowers will eventually form seeds, which can be harvested and germinated to grow new plants. This is less common in fully submerged aquariums but can be a natural process in setups that simulate shallow riverbanks or swamp-like environments.

Difficulty

Easy

Short Description

Baby’s Tears is a fast-growing aquatic plant that is often classified as a weed by horticulturists due to its vigorous growth. Some commercial plant producers even refuse to propagate it, as they consider it invasive. However, in an aquarium setting, this plant plays an important role in absorbing excess nitrates, making it an excellent addition to planted tanks where water quality is a concern. Its rapid growth helps improve the overall health of the aquarium, especially when used in conjunction with nutrient-rich water and a CO₂ system to boost its development.

One of the most appealing features of Lindernia rotundifolia is its marbled leaves, which add a visually interesting texture to the aquarium. Although it’s best suited for the background or midground areas, with the right placement it can serve as a focal point in the aquascape. Despite its benefits, Baby’s Tears has fallen out of favor with some aquarists who view it as a common or "boring" plant. However, for beginners or those looking for a hardy, easy-to-grow species, it remains an excellent choice. With proper care, it can become a striking part of the aquarium landscape.

In its natural habitat, Baby’s Tears thrives along the edges of rivers and other waterways, where it can grow both submerged and emersed. Its adaptability makes it well-suited to a wide range of aquarium environments, from high-tech setups with CO₂ supplementation to low-tech tanks where it can still thrive without additional care.