HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides) Care Guide
The smallest aquarium plant in the world, forming an incredibly dense bright-green carpet. Demands high light, CO2 injection, and nutrient-rich substrate to thrive.
Overview
Hemianthus callitrichoides is an aquatic plant in the family Linderniaceae. The smallest aquarium plant in the world, forming an incredibly dense bright-green carpet. Demands high light, CO2 injection, and nutrient-rich substrate to thrive.
Taxonomy
- Family: Linderniaceae
- Genus: Hemianthus
- Scientific name: Hemianthus callitrichoides
- Other names: Dwarf Baby Tears, DBT
Habitat
Originally collected in western Cuba, the species was first described in 2003 by Holger Hennig. It grows on damp ground along stream margins and is the smallest stem plant in the aquarium trade, with leaves only 1-2 mm across.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
- Temperature: 20-26 °C
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: high
- Growth rate: slow
- Difficulty: advanced
Placement
- Recommended placement: carpet (foreground)
- Maximum height: 3 cm
- Trim every: 14 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).