More info
Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | unknown |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | medium |
| Plant Colors | light green |
| Temperature Tolerance | 18°C / 64.40°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Temperature | 24°C / 75.20°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 0-18 kh |
| pH Value | 5-7 ph |
| Light | high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 20-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Hemianthus callitrichoides, commonly known as Dwarf baby tears, is a tiny aquarium plant originating from Cuba. It boasts the title of being the smallest aquarium plant globally, with its minute leaf size of only four to three millimetres. This plant has gained popularity in aquascaping due to its dense, bright green carpet-like growth pattern.
Aquarium Suitability
Dwarf baby tears are frequently available commercially, making them easily accessible to aquarists. They are considered medium in terms of difficulty and are suitable for nano tanks due to their tiny size. Their compact growth makes them ideal for carpet-like structures in the foreground or as decorative accents in layouts with stones.
Demands and Hardiness
The optimum temperature for Hemianthus callitrichoides is around 25°C, with a tolerance range between 20°C and 28°C. Although not always necessary, CO2 fertilization promotes healthier growth. The plant is susceptible to iron deficiencies, indicated by yellow shoot tips, and requires an adequate supply of macronutrients, especially nitrate. It thrives in high light conditions and prefers a pH range of 5-7.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquariums, Dwarf baby tears can be utilized in foreground groupings, as ground cover, or even attached to driftwood to create bright green cushions with overhanging shoots. With intense lighting, this plant can also be cultivated above the waterline, showcasing more compact growth compared to submerged cultivation.
Propagation
Propagation of Hemianthus callitrichoides is achievable through various methods, including runners, cuttings, splitting, and cutting off daughter plants. This allows aquarists to expand their plant population or create new carpets within the aquarium.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, Dwarf baby tears were discovered by Holger Windeløv in a rocky river around 90 km east of Havana, Cuba. The plant was found growing in cushion-like populations rooted in gravelly substrates during the dry season, with the entire population believed to be submerged in waters up to 1 meter deep during the rainy season.