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:
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:
