Scientific name: Hemianthus callitrichoides

Common terms: None. Sometimes abbreviated to HC.

Geographic origin: Cuba

Type : Stem (carpeting plant)

Max. Size: Height - 1-3cm, Width - 2-10+cm

Lighting required: Low to Very high

Temperature: 20-28C

Water chemistry requirements: pH 5.5-7.5, Very soft-hard.

Growth rates: Medium

Demands: Medium

Additional info: Hemianthus callitrichoides is a very popular plant among the planted aquarium enthusiast. It is one of the smallest aquatic plants in the world with leaves from only 1-2mm wide. When given the right conditions it will form a dense carpet and can look stunning. It is particularly effective in smaller aquaria because it will give more of a sense of scale creating a bigger picture. Planting can be difficult, when introducing to the aquarium as it has a tendency to float, plant in small clumps a few cm's apart to gain good coverage. It is a relatively low maintenance plant and will generally not need pruning regularly unless there is particularly fast growth. Every so often it may benefit the plant to thin it out and start from scratch. Strong lighting, CO2 and fertilisers are not necessary but will benefit the plant greatly, however, I would consider a nutrient rich substrate compulsory if any of the others are out of the equation.

An Amano shrimp appreciating the carpet:


This post has been edited by mlawson: Apr 6 2007, 11:03 AM

May I also add that it can become quite the Algae-Magnet if growth is slow... Though even in suitable conditions, algae can sometimes be a problem.