Hemianthus Callitrichoides Cuba

You will receive: 1 pot, ready to plant — freshly delivered from the nursery.

⚠️ Level: Advanced — HC Cuba requires a lot of light and CO₂ to form a dense carpet. Not recommended for tanks without a CO₂ system.

Hemianthus Callitrichoides 'Cuba' — also known as HC Cuba or dwarf baby tears — is the smallest aquarium plant in the world. Under the right conditions, its tiny, round leaves form a lush, bright green carpet over the substrate. An iconic plant in the aquascaping world and the hallmark of any professionally designed aquarium.

🌿 Plant specifications

🚚 Delivery & warranty

• Freshly delivered from the nursery — ready to plant
• Shipping on Tuesday or Friday → Read more about shipping
• Delivery with track & trace, usually within 1–2 business days
• Received dead on arrival? We'll resolve this together. Please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with a photo.
• Free shipping from €59,-

✂️ Care

Divide the plant into small portions and plant them into the substrate with tweezers, spaced about ±2 cm apart. HC Cuba will eventually root itself to the substrate via runners, forming a continuous carpet. Regular trimming with scissors encourages horizontal growth and prevents the plant from getting too tall. Ensure stable CO₂ and plenty of light for the best results.

💡 Planter's tip

HC Cuba combines beautifully with rocks or driftwood — the tiny leaves allow the hardscape's structure to stand out optimally. For a complete carpet in a 60 cm tank, we recommend 3–5 pots. Combine with Eleocharis parvula for a varied foreground.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I keep HC Cuba without CO₂?
No, not with good results. Without CO₂, the plant hardly grows and will not form a carpet. CO₂ injection is essential for this species.

How many pots do I need for a complete carpet?
Count on ±1 pot per 10×10 cm of substrate area. For a 60 cm wide tank, you typically need 4–6 pots for full ground coverage.

My HC Cuba is growing upwards instead of horizontally — what am I doing wrong?
This is almost always a sign of insufficient light. Increase the light intensity, and the plant will start growing more horizontally. Regular trimming also helps.

My plant arrived yellow or limp — is that normal?
Yes, this is transport stress and almost always temporary. Give the plant 1–2 weeks to acclimatize. For persistent problems, please contact us.

Is this plant suitable for a shrimp tank?
Yes, completely shrimp-friendly. Shrimp love the carpet as a hiding place and foraging area.

Do you have another question? Feel free to contact us — we're happy to help you make the right choice for your aquarium.