Hemianthus Callitrichoides - In Vitro

You will receive: 1 In Vitro cup — completely free of algae, snails, and pathogens. Ready to plant immediately in any aquarium.

⚠️ Level: Advanced — HC Cuba demands 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. This In Vitro version is 100% free of pests — ideal for shrimp tanks and sensitive aquariums.

🌿 Plant specifications

✅ Advantages of In Vitro

• 100% free of algae, snails, and pathogens
• No quarantine needed — plant directly in the aquarium
• Ideal for shrimp and sensitive biotope aquariums
• More plant material per package than a standard pot

🚚 Delivery & warranty

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

✂️ Care

Gently rinse the culture gel under lukewarm water. Divide the plant into small portions and plant them with tweezers at ±2 cm intervals in the substrate. HC Cuba attaches itself to the substrate via root runners, thus forming a continuous carpet. Regular trimming encourages horizontal growth.

💡 Planter's tip

For a full carpet in a 60 cm tank, we recommend 3–5 cups. Combines beautifully with rocks or driftwood and 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 does not form a carpet. CO₂ injection is essential.

How many cups do I need for a full carpet?
Count on ±1 cup per 10×10 cm of substrate surface. For a 60 cm wide tank, you typically need 4–6 cups.

My HC Cuba is growing upwards instead of horizontally — what am I doing wrong?
Almost always too little light. Increase the light intensity and the plant will grow more horizontally. Regular trimming also helps.

My plant arrived yellow or limp — is that normal?
Yes, In Vitro plants are grown emersed and will adapt. Give the plant 1–2 weeks. For persistent problems: contact us.

Is this plant suitable for a shrimp tank?
Yes — especially as In Vitro, it is ideal for shrimp tanks, completely free of pests.

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