Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ — popularly known as HC Cuba or dwarf baby tears — is one of the smallest and most attractive foreground carpeting aquarium plants in the hobby. With its tiny, round leaves and dense horizontal growth, it creates lush, flowing green carpets in high-energy aquascapes. This iconic aquarium carpet plant thrives in CO₂-rich environments with strong lighting, making it a favorite for experienced aquascapers. Available in Tissue Culture and Emersed formats, this passport shares essential Hemianthus callitrichoides carpet tips, growth requirements, and how to succeed with HC Cuba in nano tanks or large layouts.
1. Basic Information
- Trade Name: HC Cuba
- Scientific Name: Hemianthus callitrichoides
- Common Names: Dwarf Baby Tears, Cuba Hemianthus, HC
2. Botanical Profile of Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’
- Family: Linderniaceae
- Genus: Hemianthus
- Species: callitrichoides
- Etymology:
- Hemianthus = “half flower” (Greek)
- Callitrichoides = resembling Callitriche, a genus of aquatic plants
- Endemic Region / Origin: Native to Cuba; found near Rio Guantánamo
- Natural Habitat: Grows along moist, sunny riverbanks in subtropical climates
- Growth Habit: Dense, creeping carpet; clings tightly to the substrate
- Leaf Description: Tiny (1–2 mm), round green leaves on delicate stems
3. Aquarium Suitability of Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’
- Ideal Placement in Aquascape: Foreground (ideal for nano and standard layouts)
- Compatible Aquascaping Styles:
- Iwagumi (lawn-like uniform base)
- Nature Aquarium (paired with driftwood and rock)
- Dutch (foreground clusters)
- Competitive aquascaping
- Growth Speed: Fast under CO₂ and high light
- CO₂ Requirement: Essential; HC Cuba is a carpeting plant for CO₂ tanks
- Lighting Needs: High intensity
- Nutrient Requirements: Nutrient-rich substrate + liquid ferts recommended
- Temperature Range: 20°C – 28°C
- pH Range: 5.5 – 7.0
- GH/KH Preference: GH 3–8, KH 1–5
- Substrate Requirement: Fine-grain, enriched or aqua soil preferred
4. Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ Planting Tips
For Tissue Culture Format (HC Cuba plant cup for sale):
- Rinse off tissue culture medium using clean, dechlorinated water
- Divide into 10–20 small clumps
- Plant shallowly using tweezers at tight intervals (~1–2 cm apart)
- Mist well and cover tank (DSM optional for dry start)
For Emersed Format:
- Gently remove rockwool or potting substrate
- Trim away long or leggy stems before planting
- Plant densely into enriched substrate
- Expect minor melt; new growth emerges in 1–2 weeks with CO₂
5. Dwarf Baby Tears Care Guide (Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’)
Maintenance Tips:
- Trim tops regularly to prevent vertical growth
- Encourage lateral spread with controlled lighting
- Avoid algae by balancing light and CO₂
Trimming Frequency:
Every 2–3 weeks for a tight carpet
Common Issues & Prevention:
- Algae takeover: Reduce photoperiod or increase CO₂
- Melting or browning: Caused by insufficient CO₂ or low flow
- Floating clumps: Plant firmly and cover roots completely
Tissue Culture Transition Tips:
- Provide stable CO₂ injection from day one
- Start with medium light for 3 days, then increase gradually
- Use root tabs if substrate lacks nutrients
Melting Risk After Planting?:
Moderate to High without CO₂ or stable conditions
How Long Before Visible Growth?:
5–7 days under high-tech conditions; slow or no spread in low-tech tanks
6. Compatibility & Use of Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ in Aquascapes
- Safe for Shrimp? ✅ Yes
- Can be Used in Emersed Setups? ✅ Yes (Wabi-Kusa and DSM)
- Can Be Grown in Terrariums/Paludariums? ✅ Yes in humid zones
- Ideal for: Intermediate to Advanced aquascapers
- Plant Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best With Other Plants:
- Micranthemum tweediei (Monte Carlo)
- Eleocharis parvula
- Cryptocoryne parva
- Best With Fish/Shrimp:
- Dwarf rasboras
- Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp
- Otocinclus
7. Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ vs Monte Carlo – Which is Better for You?
| Feature | HC Cuba | Monte Carlo |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Size | Very Small (1–2 mm) | Small (2–4 mm) |
| CO₂ Requirement | High | Moderate |
| Light Requirement | High | Medium |
| Growth Speed | Fast with CO₂ | Moderate |
| Ease of Care | Difficult | Beginner-friendly |
| Best Used In | Pro layouts, nano carpets | Community tanks, nano layouts |
8. Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ Facts & Growth Rate
- One of the smallest aquarium plants in the world
- Used in award-winning aquascapes for ultra-clean lawns
- Performs best in tanks with CO₂ injection and high light
- Growth rate is fast with optimal conditions — covers foreground in 3–4 weeks
- Often grown via Dry Start Method (DSM) for high success rate
9. Quality & Trust Emphasis (Aqua Matsya Signature Section)
What Makes This an Aqua Matsya Choice:
- Lab-grown sterile tissue cultures for pest-free planting
- Acclimated under high light and CO₂ in Indian water setups
- Ideal for aquascapers seeking ultra-compact carpet options
Hobbyist Trust Indicators:
💚 Algae- and snail-free guaranteed
💧 Grows compact and low with regular trimming
🌱 One of the best carpet plants for aquascaping professionals