Dwarf Baby Tears

Hemianthus callitrichoides, widely sold as 'HC Cuba' or 'Cuba Pearl Grass,' is a semi-aquatic plant endemic to Caribbean islands including the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Its leaves, approximately 1 mm in diameter, place it among the smallest flowering plants on Earth. In aquascaping it represents the pinnacle of foreground carpet plants: the interlocking micro-foliage creates a seamless, densely textured lawn highly prized in international competition. High light and pressurized CO2 injection are absolute prerequisites — neither is optional. The most critical and challenging period is initial establishment before roots anchor securely in the substrate. Cooler temperatures (ideally below 24°C) favor compact growth. Regular trimming maintains carpet height and encourages renewal from new shoots beneath older growth. Its renowned difficulty cements its status as the definitive advanced foreground plant.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Root tabs, CO2