
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hemianthus callitrichoides
One of the worlds smallest aquatic plants. Tiny leaves create a dense beautiful green carpet. Advanced foreground plant.
Hemianthus callitrichoides — commonly abbreviated 'HC' and known in the trade as 'Cuba' — is a semi-aquatic plant in the family Linderniaceae endemic to the West Indies, with native populations on the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Among the smallest flowering plants on Earth, individual leaves measure approximately 1 mm in diameter. In aquascaping it is revered as the ultimate foreground carpeting species: its micro-leaves interlace to form a seamless green lawn of extraordinary density, a centerpiece of international-level competition layouts. High light and pressurized CO2 injection are absolute requirements — without both, the carpet progressively deteriorates. Establishing the initial carpet is the most challenging phase, demanding careful attention to temperature stability and balanced fertilization. Its combination of supreme beauty and technical difficulty makes it the pinnacle of foreground plant cultivation.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
West Indies (The Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico)
Size
1-3cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Strong light essential
CO2 injection essential
Powder type soil recommended
Plant one by one carefully with tweezers
Tends to float — patience needed until rooted
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Hemianthus callitrichoides is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Hemianthus callitrichoides typically reaches 1-3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
The price of Hemianthus callitrichoides varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
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