Dwarf baby tears

Description

Hemianthus callitrichoides, also known as dwarf baby tears, was introduced to the hobby by Tropica in 2004 after being discovered in Cuba. The plant grows densely and forms a cushion-like shape when rooted in gravelly substrate. Its leaves are only 4-3 mm in size, making it the smallest aquarium plant worldwide. When cultivated emersed, the plants have roundish leaves and may produce tiny white flowers in their axils. In contrast, submersed plants grow with smaller, narrower leaves that form a low carpet-like shape. Hemianthus callitrichoides has compact stems with opposite leaves and can creep or overhang. When planted in small patches in a well-lit foreground, it forms a dense, bright green plant carpet within 3-4 weeks. The optimal temperature for this plant is around 25°C, but it tolerates temperatures between 20-28°C. While not necessary, providing CO2 can promote healthy growth and prevent iron deficiencies, which may cause yellow shoot tips. The plant also requires sufficient macronutrients, especially nitrate. Hemianthus callitrichoides is suitable for carpet-like structures in the foreground or as an accent in crevices between stones, where it resembles alpine cushion plants. It can be attached to driftwood and forms large bright green cushions with overhanging shoots. This tiny plant is ideal for nano tanks. Under intense light, Hemianthus callitrichoides can also be cultivated above the waterline, forming more compact cushions than underwater.