TROPICA - Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' - In vitro

A perfect plant for a natural-looking aquarium

Native to Cuba, Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' grows in shallow, rocky streams. Its distinctive feature is its creeping growth habit and rounded leaves measuring only a few millimeters across, creating a dense, lush carpet that enhances the aquatic landscape. It is particularly popular in aquascaping for its natural appearance and its ability to provide a striking contrast with mineral elements such as rocks and roots.

Its establishment requires a certain amount of care: it must be planted in small clumps spaced a few centimeters apart to promote optimal rooting. Once well established, it gradually spreads and covers the entire aquarium floor, creating a spectacular grassy effect.

Ideal conditions for optimal growth

To ensure healthy and dense development, it is essential to respect certain conditions:

• Intense lighting (more than 0.5 Watt/L) to maintain compact growth.
• High CO2 input (15-25 mg/L) for a dense, well-rooted carpet.
• Water temperature between 20 and 28°C , with an ideal pH between 5 and 8.

Regular filter cleaning and good water quality are also essential to prevent the appearance of algae that could compromise its growth.

Regular maintenance for a perfect result

To maintain its lush appearance and prevent the lower parts from becoming smothered, regular pruning is necessary. Ideally, it is recommended to cut the stems to about 1 cm from the ground every 3 to 4 weeks.

Nutrient- rich soil will facilitate rooting and growth. It is recommended to use a fine-grained substrate to ensure better root adhesion.

Technical characteristics

• Type: Ground cover plant
• Origin: Cuba
• Growth: Average
• Size: 3 to 5 cm
• Light requirement: High
• CO2 requirement: High
• Maintenance difficulty: Medium to high

An ideal choice for aquascaping

With its compact growth habit and unique grassy effect, Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba' is a plant of choice for all aquascaping enthusiasts. It brings a vibrant greenery to the foreground and enhances the aquarium decor by offering unparalleled visual harmony.