Hemianthus Callitrichoides Tissue Culture (Dwarf Baby Tears)
Common Name: Dwarf Baby Tears
Hemianthus Callitrichoides
Family Name: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: North America, Cuba
Height: 1-2”
pH: 6-7.5
Care: Medium to Difficult
Light: Medium to High
Co2: Required
Propagation: Cut new growth along with roots
Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
Tissue culture plants are grown in vitro from a state of the art labratory specialized in propagating aquatic plants. They provide the best option for those who want to ensure that absolutely zero unwanted pests are introduced into the aquarium.
Hemianthus Callitrichoides aka Dwarf Baby Tears or simply HC, is the epitome of carpet plants. This is one of the smallest aquatic plants available and just the right flora for creating that lush foreground seen in many stunning aquascapes. When grown in Iwagumi layouts, the vast fields of green can have a captivating effect on any audience.
This plant can grow submerged or emersed in dry start aquariums and Wabi Kusa. Because this plant is small with tiny roots, it can prove difficult to keep planted into the substrate. In this case, dry start can help by allowing time for the roots to anchor into the substrate before flooding the tank.
Although some have had success growing HC in smaller tanks using liquid carbon such as Excel, this species requires Co2 injection to truly thrive. It can be quite difficult to grow lush, thick carpets for sustained periods of time without Co2, and fertilization is recommended. To maintain a nice foreground
Remove tissue culture gel before planting. Simply wash the gel away or soak the plant in water and squeeze the gel off with your fingers.