Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba', often just called HC 'Cuba', is a prized carpeting plant in aquascaping circles, especially for those aiming for that super-fine, lush green mat. Here's the lowdown:
🌿 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba'
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Common Names: HC Cuba, Dwarf Baby Tears, Hemianthus Cuba (older name)
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Origin: Cuba (discovered west of Havana)
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Family: Linderniaceae
🪴 Appearance
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Color: Bright, vibrant green
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Leaf size: Tiny—about 0.5–1 mm across
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Height: ~1–3 cm (0.4–1.2 inches)
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Growth habit: Dense, creeping carpet
💡 Care Requirements
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Very high (critical for dense, horizontal growth) |
| CO₂ | Essential for healthy, compact carpeting |
| Substrate | Fine-grain, nutrient-rich, good root hold |
| Temperature | 20–26°C (68–79°F) |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Hardness | Soft water preferred |
🌱 Growth & Propagation
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Growth rate: Moderate to fast in high-tech setups
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Propagation: Spreads via runners; trim and replant to thicken the carpet
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Trimming: Encourages denser growth and prevents shading/lifting
⚠️ Tips & Notes
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Challenging plant — best suited for experienced aquascapers or high-tech tanks.
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Needs consistent CO₂ and strong light—without it, HC will grow tall or melt.
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Emersed growth (like in dry start methods) is easy and often used to establish carpets before flooding a tank.
