Dwarf Baby Tears
Hemianthus callitrichoides
Also known as HC Cuba, HC, Cuba, Baby Tears, DBT, Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba +1 more
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›Linderniaceae
📍 Cuba
The smallest aquarium plant in the world, native to Cuba. Forms a dense bright green carpet highly prized in Nature Aquariums and iwagumi layouts. Requires high light, CO₂ injection, and a nutrient-rich substrate to thrive.
Community Photos
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by @SirenScapes
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Dwarf Baby Tears.
Compatible Livestock
Small, gentle shrimp that graze algae without uprooting delicate plants; beneficial for tank maintenance
Larger shrimp that consume algae and detritus without damaging carpet plants; ideal for planted tanks
Small, peaceful algae-eating fish that won't uproot plants; requires established biofilm
Tiny, non-aggressive schooling fish that navigate around carpet plants without causing damage
Companion carpeting plant with similar care requirements; creates layered aquascaping effect
Slow-growing foreground plant that complements carpet layouts; can be tied to hardscape
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, necrotic spots on new growth
Increase fertilizer dosing; test water parameters; ensure adequate light and CO₂; perform 25-30% water changes weekly
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Beard)
Green or black fuzzy coating on plant surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant deterioration
Reduce photoperiod to 6-8 hours; increase water flow; manually remove algae; add algae-eating shrimp; improve nutrient balance
Melting (Osmotic Shock)
Rapid leaf dissolution, plant disintegration, mushy stems within days of planting
Gradually acclimate plant over 2-3 weeks; maintain stable water parameters; ensure high CO₂ and light; avoid drastic parameter changes
Root Rot (Poor Substrate Conditions)
Blackened roots, slow growth despite adequate lighting, plant lifting from substrate
Improve substrate with nutrient-rich base layer; ensure adequate water circulation; dose root tabs; reduce organic debris accumulation
Tips from the community 💡
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Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.0
- hardness
- 0–10 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.