Tissue Culture Hemianthus callitrichoides 'HC'

Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba', commonly known as HC Cuba or Baby Tears, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and challenging carpeting plants in the aquascaping hobby. Native to Cuba, its incredibly tiny, round leaves grow in a dense, creeping mat that forms a breathtaking bright green carpet — one of the most iconic and sought-after looks in the Nature Aquarium style. When grown well, it is simply stunning.

Plant Details

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Placement: Foreground
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Lighting: High
• CO₂: Essential for carpeting growth
• Temperature: 20–26°C
• pH: 5.5–7.0

Why Tissue Culture?

Our tissue culture plants are grown in sterile laboratory conditions, meaning they arrive:

• Free from pesticides and harmful chemicals
• Free from snails, planarians, and pest algae
• Free from pathogens and parasites
• No rock wool to remove — just rinse and plant

Tips for Success

HC Cuba demands high lighting, consistent CO₂ injection, and a nutrient-rich fine substrate to carpet successfully. Divide the tissue culture portion into very small clumps and plant them 1 cm apart directly into the substrate. It spreads via runners and will gradually knit together into a dense, seamless carpet under optimal conditions. Soft, slightly acidic water is preferred. Avoid large fluctuations in CO₂ or lighting, as this can cause the carpet to melt or develop algae. The challenge is real, but the reward — a lush, jewel-like green carpet — is absolutely worth it.