Hemianthus Callitrichoides ‘Cuba'

Hemianthus Callitrichoides, sometimes referred to as dwarf baby tears, HC Cuba or simply HC, is the smallest carpeting plant in the planted tank hobby. Offering some of the tiniest leaves in the hobby, HC is both capable and responsible for creating lush foregrounds seen in many famous aquascapes utilizing Iwagumi style layouts. This plant requires much patience as its root system is miniature and takes a considerable amount of time to anchor into the substrate. The dry start method is sometimes recommended to combat this as it will allow the plant to root, reducing the hassle that comes with floating plants in a freshly filled aquarium. If successful, patience and care will reward generously.

Although some have had success growing HC in smaller tanks using liquid carbon, this species requires CO2 injection to truly thrive. It can be quite difficult to grow lush without it. For long term thick carpets, CO2 and consistent fertilization is recommended to maintain a nice foreground.

Below is an Ultum Nature Systems 45U 9 gallon tank featuring Hemianthus Callitrichoides in the foreground: