Plant Profile
Formally known as Hemianthus callitrichoides (or simply HC), Dwarf Baby Tears is pretty much the poster child of aquatic carpeting plants. As one of the tiniest live plants available in the hobby, it’s the go‑to choice for creating those jaw‑dropping, bright green fields you see in classic Iwagumi layouts. This ultra-compact carpeting plant relies on its tiny leaves to create an incredible sense of scale, making even modest tanks look like massive, captivating rolling landscapes. While it requires high-tech care to reach its full potential, nothing rivals the breathtaking, velvety carpet of a thriving HC lawn.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
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
- Thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel from the roots with your fingers before parting it out into manageable portions and planting.
- Use a dry start method or Wabi Kusa setup to give its tiny root system plenty of time to firmly anchor into the substrate before you flood the tank.
- Maintain stable aquarium parameters and avoid drastic shifts in water quality to prevent your new grass from melting.
- 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.
- 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 tissue culture?
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.
