Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'

Common name: Dwarf baby tears, Cuba or simply the initials HC.

Overview: Native to Cuba, from where it gets its common name, the plant Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba was first collected by the botanist Holger Windeløv and Eusebio Canicio Delgado Pérez. It got listed in the aquatic literature in the year 2003 and today widely used a beautiful carpeting plant in the aquariums. It also makes a perfect plant to fill the tight spaces of the aquarium. The plant is seen to producing white flowers which are so small that they often get overlooked.

Appearance: Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba is one of the smallest growing plants in the aquarium which is used for giving the bottom of aquarium a carpet look. The leaves of the plant are tiny, therefore, it got the name dwarf baby tear. Leaves are bright green and grow up to 3 cm long. It spreads 10 cm horizontally and forms thick carpeting in the aquarium. Due to the tiny size, this plant is considered perfect for the nano aquariums. The stems are also fine which overall provides a delicate look.

Hard/soft plant:  Soft plant

Ideal water temperature: The best temperature for the plant to survive underwater ranges from 68 to 82 F.

Lighting conditions: It requires relatively high light and CO2 requirements inside the aquariums. The more light and CO2 available, the more the plant will thrive.

Optimum water pH Level: The best pH condition for the plant ranges between 5 to 7.5 which means alkaline medium is feasible for its growth.

Do you know: Under suitable conditions Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba shows the process of perling in which oxygen bubbles are produced in the water. It provides very alluring look when the lights are on and reflecting off the bubbles.  It is an excellent source of clearing the algae growth in the aquarium as well.