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Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Advanced
Light
High
CO₂
Required
pH Range
5.5–7.0
Dwarf Baby Tears$7.99
Species Profile
Dwarf Baby Tears
Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba'
Why We Love This Plant
Selected for shrimp tanks
Improves water quality
No CO₂ required
Beginner-friendly
Dwarf Baby Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba') is one of the most recognized carpeting plants in the planted aquarium hobby — tiny round leaves on delicate creeping stems that spread horizontally across the substrate to form a dense, bright green carpet. It is the plant behind many of the iconic aquascapes you see in competition and editorial photography.
HC Cuba is genuinely demanding. It requires high light, CO2 injection, and a fine, nutrient-rich substrate to develop and maintain a carpet. Without CO2 it struggles to establish, melts, or grows vertically instead of carpeting. Best suited to aquascapers who already have a CO2 system running.
Care Notes
Dwarf Baby Tears requires CO2 injection, high light, and fine-grain substrate (ADA Aqua Soil or comparable) for best results. Without CO2 it will not form a reliable carpet and frequently melts or grows upward. Soft, slightly acidic water improves carpet density and plant health.
Separate the tissue culture or potted plant into small clumps and press into substrate approximately one inch apart. The carpet fills in over 4–8 weeks under good conditions. Trim the carpet with scissors to maintain height and density; trimming stimulates horizontal branching.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Advanced
Temperature
68–78°F
pH Range
5.5–7.0
Light Req.
High
CO₂
Required
Placement
Separate into small clumps. Press each clump gently...
What’s Included
Healthy live plants
Damp-packed bags
Packed with damp protective material
Free at $75+
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Plant
01
The Competition Carpet
The tiny round leaves and dense horizontal growth of HC Cuba are behind many of the most iconic planted aquascape photos in the hobby.
02
Tight, Dense Growth
Forms one of the tightest, most refined foreground carpets available when given high light, CO2, and the right substrate.
03
Selected for Shrimp Tanks
Selected for shrimp tanks and handled with invertebrate safety in mind. Shrimplets love the dense carpet for cover and foraging.
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
HC Cuba is a high-tech plant. If you don't have CO2 already running, consider Dwarf Hairgrass or Staurogyne repens for a carpet that is more achievable in a low-tech setup. If you do have CO2, HC Cuba delivers the most refined, tight carpet available. Separate into small clumps and press each clump into fine substrate an inch apart.
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
1
Order Your Plants
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
2
Inspected & Trimmed
Every plant is inspected and trimmed if needed before packing. We avoid dry or brittle portions and only ship healthy, viable plant material.
3
Packed for the Weather
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+. Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Packed Fresh for Your Aquarium
Every plant is inspected, trimmed when needed, and packed damp so it arrives ready for your aquarium. We avoid dry or brittle portions and pack plants with the same care we use for every order that leaves our facility.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Aquariums on-site \u2014 we know what plants thrive
48+
States served with safe plant delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Packed Damp & FreshFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Dwarf Baby Tears FAQ
Is Dwarf Baby Tears safe for shrimp?+
Yes — HC Cuba is great for shrimp tanks. We select plants for shrimp tanks and handle them with invertebrate safety in mind.
What substrate do I need?+
A fine-grain, nutrient-rich substrate like ADA Aqua Soil or a comparable active substrate gives the best results. HC Cuba can struggle in inert sand or coarse gravel.
Why is my HC Cuba melting?+
HC Cuba frequently melts or struggles without CO2 and high light. If the carpet is not establishing, check CO2 injection levels and light intensity first.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Adding livestock to your order unlocks free 2-Day Shipping at $120+ or free Overnight at $200+.
Do I need CO2?+
Yes. HC Cuba requires CO2 injection to carpet reliably. Without CO2 it struggles to establish, melts, or grows vertically instead of spreading horizontally. This is not a suitable plant for low-tech tanks.
How long does it take to carpet?+
Under good conditions (CO2, high light, right substrate), expect full carpeting in approximately 4–8 weeks. Carpeting may take longer or fail without these conditions.
How is it shipped?+
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it. Plants typically ship Monday through Thursday so they avoid sitting over the weekend.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — Live Plant Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photograph the plant in its original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting, and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.
