HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides) care guide
Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' (now Micranthemum callitrichoides) · Linderniaceae
HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides) (Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' (now Micranthemum callitrichoides)) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Linderniaceae family. It is native to The Caribbean: Cuba (trade stock collected near Havana), the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica & Puerto Rico — not South America. It needs high light. Water temperature: 20°C – 26°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Difficult. Growth rate: moderate to fast once rooted.
How do you care for HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides)?
| Light | High (needs strong light to spread and stay low) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Required, pressurised (about 20 – 30 mg/l; sources range from 15 to 40) |
| Temperature | 20°C – 26°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Foreground – ultra-fine carpet, planted as tiny pinches in fine aquasoil |
| Growth | Moderate to Fast once rooted |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Family | Linderniaceae |
How do you trim and propagate HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides)?
Trim down to 1–2 cm with curved scissors; when the mat gets too thick, lift sections and replant them thinner. Propagate by splitting small pinches.
What problems affect HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides)?
Weak stems, stalled spread and melting without pressurised CO₂ or with weak light; tiny roots let portions float up from flow, shrimp or digging fish; the lower layer dies when the mat is too thick; pale new growth from iron shortage.
How do you fix HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides) problems?
Inject CO₂ (liquid carbon rarely suffices) with strong light; plant deeper or dry start before flooding; trim regularly; dose iron.
Where does HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides) come from?
The Caribbean: Cuba (trade stock collected near Havana), the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Jamaica & Puerto Rico — not South America
Sources
- World Checklist of Vascular Plants: Micranthemum callitrichoides — Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew / GBIF
- Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba' (plant details) — Tropica
- Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' — Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
- Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' — Dennerle Plants
- Hemianthus Callitrichoides 'Cuba' (Dwarf Baby Tears) — Buce Plant
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides)?
- Balancing light, CO₂ and fertiliser in a planted tank
- Iwagumi aquascape: stones, plants and setup
- Nature Aquarium style: layout rules and setup
- Wabi-kusa: how to make and grow an emersed plant ball
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides