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Cuba (HC)
Micranthemum callitrichoides
One of the smallest and most demanding carpeting plants in the hobby. It produces a stunning, tight green lawn made of microscopic leaves. Requires high-intensity light, abundant fertilization, and mandatory CO2.
Class:Magnoliopsida
Order:Lamiales
Family:Linderniaceae
Genus:Micranthemum
Species:Micranthemum callitrichoides
Formerly known as:Hemianthus callitrichoides
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Water Temperature
20 - 28 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Light
High
CO2
High
Expected height
3 cm
Expected width
5 cm
GH
4 - 20 dGH
KH
2 - 15 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Hemianthus callitrichoides is native to Cuba, particularly the rocky eastern regions. It grows along the beds of fast-flowing rivers, anchoring to wet rocks and gravel in shallow, clear water. In the wild, it receives intense sunlight and experiences frequent fluctuations in water levels.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Belonging to the Linderniaceae family (historically Scrophulariaceae), it is commonly known as "Cuba" or "HC." It was first discovered in 2003 by Holger Windeløv. It is one of the smallest aquarium plants in the world. Genetically, it has a highly accelerated metabolism under optimal conditions, requiring vast amounts of nutrients and carbon to sustain itself.
Physical Structure: The plant features extremely fine, creeping, and branching stems with microscopic leaves (1-2 mm in diameter) arranged in pairs. The roots are short, white, and very delicate, designed to anchor the plant in small rocky crevices or superficial soil.
Color & Texture: The leaves display a bright green or vibrant emerald green color. The texture is incredibly dense and compact, creating a tight foliage carpet that spreads over the substrate like a soft cushion, offering a superb visual impact in aquascaping layouts.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Requires intense and consistent lighting. Under weak light, the plant stretches vertically, losing its creeping growth habit and decaying rapidly. CO2 injection is strictly mandatory (at least 20-30 mg/L) to prevent melting and stimulate photosynthesis.
Nutrition & Substrate: Demands a very fine-grained, fertilized substrate (active soil) to allow its delicate roots to anchor. It requires a constant and rich liquid fertilization regimen containing iron, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Water Chemistry: Thrives in temperatures between 20 and 26°C (68-79°F), with an optimal pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is highly sensitive to excessively warm water (above 27°C/80°F) and sudden changes in water chemistry.
Space Management & Placement: Used exclusively in the foreground as a carpeting plant. It should be planted by dividing the pot into tiny plugs and inserting them deeply into the fertile soil, leaving only a few leaves showing. It is ideal for the "Dry Start Method" (DSM).
Pruning: Regular pruning is critical: when the carpet exceeds a thickness of 2-3 cm, the lower layers risk rotting due to lack of light, causing the entire lawn to detach and float. Trim close to the substrate using wave scissors.
Risks & Diseases: The greatest risk is melting due to lack of light or CO2. Iron deficiency manifests immediately as yellowing and loss of vibrancy in the leaves. It is easily overrun by algae if nutrients are not perfectly balanced.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Hemianthus callitrichoides is native to Cuba, particularly the rocky eastern regions. It grows along the beds of fast-flowing rivers, anchoring to wet rocks and gravel in shallow, clear water. In the wild, it receives intense sunlight and experiences frequent fluctuations in water levels.
Origin
Central America and Caribbean
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
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