Hemianthus Callitrichoides 'Cuba' - Tissue culture Aquatic Plant

Overview: When we talk about some of the smallest aquarium plants, we cannot forget the name of Hemianthus callitrichoides. The millimetre size Hemianthus callitrichoides is a small creeping plant, perfect as a carpet or foreground plant in the aquarium. It comes from Cuba, West of Havana. It attains size up to three centimetres tall and spreads up to 10 centimetres horizontally. Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' is best used in the foreground, where it spreads like a carpet and increases the aesthetic of the tank. Easy to maintain and care for, Hemianthus callitrichoides, 'Cuba' thrives well under strong light conditions. What makes it unique is the presence of small pearls like oxygen bubbles on the top of the plants that adds a very lively aspect to the carpet. It is a highly attractive aquarium plant, suitable for nano to middle-size tanks. 

Advantages: Tissue culture aquarium plants are superior in quality compared to normal plants as they are developed in-vitro conditions. They are devoid of pests and infestations that can harm the already established tank. Adding the tissue cultures version of Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' is safe and risk-free. When it is planted a few centimetres apart on the substrate, it quickly spreads and takes over the bottom of the tank, giving it a plush carpet look.  

Care: We deliver Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' in a properly packed condition. Before one introduces it to the tank, cleaning the plant to get rid of the tissue culture gel is an important process. It can be removed by cleaning the plant with water by simply removing the gel with hands. Plant it a few centimetres apart and keep trimming once they start spreading for the best results. 

Light requirements: Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' requires strong light conditions that help it thrive and spread profusely in the tank.

pH requirement: It can range between 6 and 7.5.

Other requirements: Nutrient-rich substrate and carbon dioxide supplementation are beneficial for obtaining good plant growth. Under strong light, CO2 and fertilizers, the plant attains good growth. However, regular trimming is essential to allow light to pass on the lower parts to avoid root death. 

Propagation: Remove the plant from the pot and split it into 1cm square portions. Now plant them in the aquarium's substrate. The plant will start carpeting the bed after a week. One can also remove the individual stem with tweezers and plant them into the substrate with larger spaces. They will spread profusely after a week or so and create a carpeted bottom.