HC Cuba (Hemianthus callitrichoides) TC cup

Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba (HC Cuba) is one of the smallest vascular aquarium plants in the world, producing tiny round leaves on delicate creeping stems that form a breathtaking emerald-green carpet just 1–3 cm tall when grown under high lighting with CO2 injection. Discovered in a single small area of Cuba, it became famous worldwide through Takashi Amano's Nature Aquarium compositions and remains the gold standard foreground carpeting plant for Iwagumi and Dutch aquascape styles. The tissue culture cup format ensures pest-free, algae-free, snail-free plants of the highest quality, ready to be separated into small portions and planted directly in the substrate. Under optimal conditions HC Cuba spreads rapidly via runners to fill the entire foreground.

Rinse the tissue culture gel from roots before planting. Separate into small 1–2 cm portions and plant 1 cm apart using fine tweezers in fine, nutrient-rich substrate. High-intensity lighting (PAR 80+) and consistent CO2 injection at 20–30 ppm are required for carpet growth. Without CO2, the plant reaches upward and will not form a carpet. Supplement with liquid micronutrients. Trim with curved scissors to maintain carpet height and stimulate lateral spreading.