Dwarf baby tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’), usually shortened to HC Cuba, is one of the smallest aquarium plants in the world, creeping over the bottom with millimetre-sized round leaves. Tropica rates it advanced, with a high demand for both light and CO₂, which makes it one of the most demanding carpets you can choose.
What HC Cuba demands
- Latin name: Hemianthus callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ (Tropica now lists it as Micranthemum callitrichoides ‘Cuba’)
- Type: carpet / foreground
- Light demand: high
- CO₂ demand: high
- Difficulty: advanced
- Growth rate: medium
Growing HC Cuba
Plant it in small clumps a few centimetres apart and Tropica says it will spread rapidly and cover the bottom like a carpet. The conditions are the hard part: enough light, added CO₂, water circulation and fertiliser. Trim the carpet regularly, because Tropica warns that otherwise the lower parts do not get enough light, which causes root death.
Is it the right carpet for you?
Be honest about your setup. HC Cuba is an advanced, high-tech plant. If you cannot give it strong light, CO₂ and fertiliser, Tropica itself suggests Monte Carlo as the less demanding alternative, and dwarf hairgrass, which it rates easy, is the grassy option. Come to HC once your tank is dialled in. The carpet plants guide lays out the full easy-to-hard order.
HC Cuba questions
Is dwarf baby tears hard to grow?
By Tropica’s rating, yes: advanced, with high light and CO₂ demand. Tropica adds that the challenge lies in providing the good conditions it needs to thrive.
Can you grow HC Cuba without CO₂?
Not well. Tropica rates its CO₂ demand as high and lists added CO₂ among the conditions it needs to thrive.
HC Cuba or Monte Carlo?
HC Cuba gives the finer carpet but Tropica rates it advanced. Monte Carlo is rated medium and Tropica calls it less demanding, so it is the better starting point of the two.
Sources: Tropica, Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba'; Tropica, Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo'; Tropica, Eleocharis acicularis.