Why is my Dwarf Baby Tears growing upwards instead of carpeting?

Upward growth is usually a sign of insufficient lighting. The plant stretches towards the light source instead of spreading runners along the substrate. Upgrading your light or ensuring it reaches the bottom of the tank will encourage horizontal growth.

Can I grow HC Cuba without CO2?

While it is technically possible in very shallow tanks with a nutrient-rich substrate, it is extremely difficult. Without injected CO2, growth will be painfully slow, the plant may not carpet densely, and it becomes highly susceptible to algae.

How do I plant Dwarf Baby Tears successfully?

Do not plant the entire pot as one clump. Instead, divide it into small portions (about the size of a pea). Using aquascaping tweezers, push these portions deep into fine aquasoil so only the very top leaves are visible; this prevents them from floating away.

Why is my established carpet lifting off the soil?

If a carpet is left untrimmed, the top layers block light from reaching the bottom layers. The lower stems weaken and rot, losing their grip on the substrate, which causes the entire mat to detach and float to the surface.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves typically indicate a nutrient deficiency, most commonly iron or nitrogen. Ensure you are providing a complete liquid fertiliser alongside a nutrient-rich substrate.

Close-up of Hemianthus callitrichoides showing its tiny, bright green round leaves forming a dense aquatic carpet. — AI-generated illustration for OneShoal

FreshwaterPlantsAdvanced

Dwarf Baby Tears

Hemianthus callitrichoides

Dwarf Baby Tears is a highly sought-after, bright green foreground plant that creates a dense, stunning carpet in high-tech aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
Adult size: 1 – 3 cm
Nano tank or larger: 10 litres+
Lifespan: 1 – 5 years
Diet: Plant Nutrients
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Nutrient-rich fine substrate (aquasoil) is highly recommended for root development.

About the Dwarf Baby Tears

Discovered in Cuba just east of Havana in 2003, Hemianthus callitrichoides—frequently known simply as 'HC' or Dwarf Baby Tears—has become one of the most iconic foreground plants in the aquascaping hobby. Featuring some of the smallest leaves of any commonly available aquatic plant, it creates a pristine, finely textured carpet. Its miniature scale makes it a favourite for Iwagumi layouts and nano aquariums.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Dwarf Baby Tears comes from

Native range

Caribbean

Countries / regions

Cuba

Habitat

Grows along rocky riverbanks, streams, and in shallow, clear waters, often experiencing both emersed and submersed states depending on the season.

Originally discovered by Holger Windeløv during an expedition to Cuba in the early 2000s.

Similar species

Monte Carlo
Micranthemum tweediei
Glossostigma
Glossostigma elatinoides
Dwarf Hairgrass
Eleocharis parvula

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
They are lightweight, will not uproot the delicate carpet, and actively graze on algae that could smother the plant.
Great
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful mid-water swimmers that will completely ignore the plant.
Great
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
Gentle herbivores that clean the tiny leaves without damaging the fragile stems.
Great
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
Their constant substrate sifting can easily uproot freshly planted clumps before a strong root system has established.
Compatible with caution
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Large, destructive foragers that will eat the plant and constantly dig up the substrate.
Not recommended
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Aggressive herbivores that view delicate foreground plants as a salad bar.
Not recommended

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