hemianthus callitrichoides

Hemianthus Callitrichoides "Cuba" file

• Difficulty: Media
• Family: Linderniaceae
• Gender: Hemianthus
• Origin: Cuba
• Lighting: High
• Temperature: 18nd - 25th
• Increase: Medium
• PH: 5.0 – 7.0
• Hardness: 0 – 30
• Co2: Recommended

Characteristics of Hemianthus Callitrichoides "Cuba"

Also known as Cuba, it was discovered and imported from Cuba in 2004. The plant was discovered by Holger Windelov about 90km east of Havana in a rocky river during the dry season. The dense, carpet-shaped population, rooted in the gravel substrate, grew about 50 cm above the water line, and assumed that during the rainy season, the entire population is submerged in water up to 1m deep and with a strong current.

Its leaf size of only three or four millimeters makes this Hemianthus species the smallest aquarium plant in the world. For years it has been among the most popular Aquascaping plants.

Most store-bought Hemianthus Callitrichoides plants are grown in an emerged form and have rounded leaves. Sometimes small white flowers can be seen. The submerged shape looks quite similar, with flattened growth in the shape of a carpet or cushion. Its leaves are smaller and a little narrower. It has more or less erect but very short stems with opposite leaves (two leaves per node) and, at the same time, trailing and protruding shoots.

When planted in small pieces a few inches apart in a well-lit foreground of an aquarium, Hemianthus Callitrichoides grows to form a dense, glossy green carpet in 3-4 weeks.

Hemianthus Callitrichoides has a more compact growth in relation to light intensity. Its optimum temperature is around 25°C, however, it also tolerates temperatures in a range between 20 and 28°C. It is not always necessary to add CO2, however, the plant grows much healthier with it. It is susceptible to iron deficiencies, the symptoms of which are yellow tips. A sufficient amount of macronutrients, especially nitrate, must also be supplied.

Its relative hardiness and pretty appearance make H. Callitrichoides “Cuba” a highly attractive and highly recommended aquarium plant. It is not only suitable for carpet-like structures in the foreground, but also for designs with many stones as a nice accent in the cracks. It can even be attached to wood, where it forms large, bright green clumps with hanging buds. This little plant is very suitable for nano aquariums.

In bright enough light, Hemianthus Callitrichoides can also be grown in a floating way, where it generally forms more compact beds than underwater. In an open aquarium, it can be attached to wood or rocks that protrude from the water.