ADA – Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ (High Tech)
Hemianthus callitrichoides is one of the world’s smallest aquarium plants. It was originally imported by Holger Windelov, who found it in a riverbed on Cuba, to the west of Havana. Its delicate stems with the tiny roundish to ovoid leaves have a creeping growth habit. When planted in small tufts at a distance of a few centimetres, the plant will soon spread and form an uninterrupted carpet. Hemianthus callitrichoides is an attractive foreground plant for small as well as large tanks
Hemianthus callitrichoides aka dwarf baby tears was imported from Cuba in 2004 by Tropica and has thus found its way into the hobby relatively recently. The plant was discovered by Holger Windeløv around 90 km to the East of Havana in a rocky river during the dry season. The dense, cushion-like population rooting in gravelly substrate was growing around 50 cm above the waterline, and he safely assumed that during the rainy season, the entire population is submersed in waters up to 1 m deep, with a strong current.
Its leaf size of only four to three millimetres makes this Hemianthus species the smallest aquarium plant in the world. For several years it has been among the most popular aquascaping plants.
The majority of Hemianthus callitrichoides plants you can buy in the trade were cultivated emersed and have roundish leaves.
Common names | Dwarf baby tears |
Complete botanical name | Hemiánthus callitrichoídes Griseb. |
Family | Linderniaceae |
Genus | Hemianthus |
Difficulty | medium |
Colour | light green |
Texture | kleinblättrig, kurzblättrig |
Usage | Nano tanks, Foreground, group, Foreground, ground cover |
Growth | medium |
pH value | 5 – 7 |
Temperature tolerance | 18 – 28°C |
Carbonate hardness | 0 – 18°dKH |
General hardness | 0 – 30°dGH |
Propagation | Runners, Cuttings, Splitting, cutting off daughter plants |
Can grow emersed? | yes |
Source | Flowgrow |
Are you not sure if this aquarium plant will grow in your tank? We have made a guide to aid in growing/understanding aquatic plants. Check it out >here<. View other plants that will grow in: ( Low Tech | Medium Tech | High Tech | All Plants )
*This is a Tissue Culture Plant. They are grown in a Laboratory and are guaranteed to be snail, algae and pesticide-free. They are more expensive, even if the plant itself is smaller, the portion size is bigger. We recommend rinsing all tissue culture plants with dechlorinated water before planting.
Jason Wyngaardt (verified owner) –
Very delicate plant that requires the right environment to prosper. Looks very pretty though. Wouldnt recommend for a beginner.