Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba Mint Green' is a sought-after aquatic plant known for its delicate and vibrant appearance. As a tissue culture plant, it arrives in pristine condition, making it an excellent choice for aquascaping. Here’s a detailed overview:

Description

• Appearance: Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba Mint Green' is a compact, carpeting plant with small, rounded leaves that are typically a soft mint green color. The plant forms a dense mat of foliage, creating a lush, green carpet that can enhance the visual appeal of any aquarium.
• Size: It generally grows to about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in height, making it ideal for the foreground of aquariums. Its small size and low-growing nature make it perfect for creating carpets or adding fine detail to the aquascape.

Habitat

• Native Range: Hemianthus callitrichoides is native to Cuba, where it grows in shallow, nutrient-rich water bodies. The 'Mint Green' variant is a cultivated form known for its unique coloration.
• Natural Habitat: In its natural habitat, this plant thrives in nutrient-rich substrates and environments with ample light. It grows in shallow waters or wet areas, where it forms dense mats.

Care and Maintenance in Aquariums

• Tank Size: Due to its small size, Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba Mint Green' is suitable for various tank sizes, including nano aquariums. It works well as a foreground plant and is commonly used to create dense carpets or lush green patches.
• Water Parameters: The plant thrives in tropical water conditions with temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F) and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers soft to moderately hard water but can adapt to a range of water conditions.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba Mint Green' to support healthy growth and maintain its vibrant color. Aquasoils or other substrates designed for planted tanks work well.
• Tank Setup: The plant does well in moderate to high lighting conditions. High light levels will encourage denser growth and maintain the plant's vibrant green color. CO2 supplementation is beneficial for promoting lush, carpet-like growth and enhancing the plant's appearance. Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers, particularly those containing micronutrients, will support the plant’s health.

Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba Mint Green' has a slow to moderate growth rate. It will gradually form a dense, lush carpet, adding texture and color to the aquarium.
• Propagation: Propagation is typically done by trimming and replanting the plant’s stems or sections of the carpet. New shoots will emerge from the base, which can be separated and replanted to spread the plant further across the tank.
• Maintenance: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the plant’s shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Removing older or damaged leaves will help keep the plant healthy and promote new growth.