Micranthemum callitrichoides Cuba /Dwarf Baby Tears plant Potted

Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’, commonly known as HC Cuba or Dwarf Baby Tears, is one of the most popular foreground plants in the aquascaping world. Its tiny, bright green leaves form a dense carpet that resembles a lush, green lawn. While it is a bit challenging to grow, the stunning results are well worth the effort.

1. Overview of HC Cuba

• Scientific Name: Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’
• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Origin: Cuba
• Difficulty: High
• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast (under optimal conditions)
• Light Requirements: High
• CO2 Requirements: High (CO2 injection is essential)
• Placement: Foreground

2. Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 68°F – 75°F (20°C – 24°C)
• pH: 5.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-10 dGH)
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate is crucial for root development
• Lighting: High lighting (4+ watts per gallon or 80+ PAR) to promote dense, compact growth
• CO2: CO2 injection is mandatory for healthy growth and carpet formation

3. Planting and Propagation

• Planting: HC Cuba is typically sold in small pots or mats. Divide the plant into small portions (about 0.5-1 inch in size) and plant them individually into the substrate using tweezers. Space them about 1-2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
• Propagation: HC Cuba spreads through runners. Once established, it will naturally form a dense carpet. You can trim and replant the cuttings to fill in gaps or expand the carpet.

4. Care Tips

• Fertilization: Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Root tabs can also be beneficial for supplying nutrients directly to the substrate.
• Pruning: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a dense and even carpet. Use sharp scissors to trim the tops, being careful not to uproot the plants.
• Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and prevent algae growth.
• Algae Control: Ensure proper lighting duration (6-8 hours per day) and avoid overfeeding fish to prevent algae from competing with HC Cuba. Algae can quickly overrun the delicate leaves, so early intervention is key.

5. Common Issues

• Melting: HC Cuba may melt when first introduced to a new tank due to changes in water parameters. This is normal, and the plant will usually recover with proper care.
• Uprooting: The roots of HC Cuba are delicate and can be easily uprooted by fish or strong water flow. Ensure a gentle water flow and avoid keeping fish that dig in the substrate.
• Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate a nutrient deficiency, particularly iron or nitrogen. Adjust your fertilization routine accordingly.

6. Compatibility

• Fish: HC Cuba is compatible with most small, peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and guppies. Avoid fish that are known to dig or uproot plants, such as cichlids or goldfish.
• Invertebrates: Shrimp and snails are great tank mates and can help keep the tank clean. However, be cautious with larger snails that may uproot the delicate plants.

7. Benefits in the Aquarium

• Creates a stunning, lush green carpet that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the tank.
• Provides excellent hiding spots for small fish and shrimp.
• Helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and maintain Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ in your aquarium, creating a beautiful and vibrant foreground carpet. With its dense, bright green foliage, HC Cuba is sure to be a standout feature in any aquascape.