Hemianthus Callitrichoides 'Cuba' (Dwarf Baby Tears)
Plant Profile
Common Names:Â Dwarf Baby Tears, Micranthemum Callitrichoides, Hemianthus Callitrichoides
Formally known as Hemianthus Callitrichoides (or simply HC), Dwarf Baby Tears is pretty much the poster child of aquarium carpet plants. Holding the title as one of the smallest aquatic plants available in the hobby, this iconic species is the perfect flora for creating that ultra-fine, lush, meadow-like foreground seen in many stunning aquascapes. When grown in classic Iwagumi layouts, the vast, velvety fields of vibrant green have a truly captivating effect on any audience. Its tiny leaves create an incredible sense of scale, making even small nano tanks feel massive and majestic.
Key Features & Benefits
- Forms the tightest, most compact green carpet possible.
- Creates the iconic, professional Iwagumi aesthetic with vast fields of green.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Use a dry start method or Wabi Kusa setup to give its microscopic, delicate root system plenty of time to firmly anchor into the substrate before you flood the tank.
- Inject pressurized CO2 and stick to a reliable fertilization schedule.
- While some hobbyists have found success using liquid carbon like Excel in small tanks, real CO2 is highly recommended to maintain a nice foreground.
- Take extra care when planting small clumps into the substrate with pinsettes, as its tiny size makes it highly prone to floating until the roots establish.
- Master the basics by learning how to properly grow aquarium carpet plants to ensure your new layout fills in quickly.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' |
| Common Name(s) | Dwarf Baby Tears, HC Cuba, Micranthemum Callitrichoides, Hemianthus Callitrichoides |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Stem / Carpeting Foreground |
| Care Difficulty | Medium to Difficult |
| Light Requirement | High |
| CO2 Requirement | Required |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground Carpet |
| Height / Size | 0.5-1 inch |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0 – 7.5 | Temperature 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C) |
| Propagation Method | Cut runners and replant |
| Origin | Cuba / North America |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant Dwarf Baby Tears?
Use fine-tip pinsettes to push each portion deep into fine aquasoil at a 45-degree angle. Leave only a few leaves showing above the surface so they don't float.
2. Can I grow Dwarf Baby Tears without pressurized CO2?
No. Dwarf Baby Tears has very high metabolic demands and an extremely delicate root system. Without pressurized CO2 injection and strong lighting, the stems will weaken, stop spreading, and slowly melt away.
3. Why is my newly planted Dwarf Baby Tears floating up?
Because the roots are microscopic, water currents and livestock can easily pull them out of the soil. Planting tiny portions deeply into fine aquasoil or growing them emersed using the Dry Start Method for 4–6 weeks will anchor the root system securely before you flood the tank.