Dwarf helzine (Hemianthus callitrichoides) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Dwarf baby tears, HC, Cuba, HC Cuba, Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba'
Family
Linderniaceae (false-pimpernel family)
Origin
West Indies: the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Puerto Rico
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
5 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
1–10 dGH
Care level
expert
Lighting
High light; CO2 injection recommended

Care

Dwarf baby tears, "HC" or "Cuba" is a tiny creeping plant found only in the West Indies (the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Puerto Rico); Tropica's stock comes from Cuba, west of Havana. Tropica sells it as Micranthemum callitrichoides 'Cuba'. Wikipedia keeps the name Hemianthus callitrichoides, which is the page key here, and places it in Linderniaceae (its infobox says Scrophulariaceae). It has round leaves only a millimetre or two across and creeps over the substrate, forming one of the finest foreground carpets, about 3–5 cm tall, popular in small tanks. Plant small clumps a few centimetres apart and it spreads quickly. Tropica rates it as advanced: it needs strong light, CO2 injection, good circulation and fertiliser, and often "pearls" with tiny oxygen bubbles. Trim it regularly, or the shaded lower layers die and the mat lifts. If you can't provide these conditions, Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo' is an easier alternative. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemianthuscallitrichoides); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by runners that branch off and creep along the substrate. Cut small clumps from a mature mat and replant them a few centimetres apart.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fine with shrimp and small, peaceful fish. Digging fish, goldfish and large cichlids will destroy the carpet.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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