Description
Dwarf Baby Tears ‘Cuba’ (Hemianthus callitrichoides) is one of the most iconic carpeting plants in aquascaping. With its tiny, round leaves and vibrant green color, it forms a soft, cushiony carpet that hugs the substrate—perfect for Iwagumi layouts, nano tanks, or any high-tech aquascape that aims for that clean, manicured look.
It’s a demanding but rewarding plant—under the right conditions, it spreads quickly and creates a lush green bed that’s hard to beat in beauty and texture.
Care and Planting Directions
Plant in small clumps using tweezers, spacing them to allow horizontal spread. This plant requires high light, CO₂ injection, and nutrient-rich substrate to thrive. Without these, it may melt or grow upward instead of carpeting. Regular trimming promotes tighter, denser growth.
Specs
Name: Hemianthus callitrichoides
Common Name: Dwarf Baby Tears ‘Cuba’
Difficulty: Advanced
Light: High
CO₂: Required
Height: 0.5–2 inches
Substrate: Required
Growth Rate: Moderate
Propagation: Runners
Aquarium Placement: Foreground / Carpeting
