Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Pearlwort)

19 September 2026

116

Hemianthus callitrichoides is widely recognized as one of the smallest aquarium plants available, making it a staple for creating lush, low-growing carpets in aquascapes. Native to Cuba, this delicate plant features tiny, rounded leaves that spread across the substrate. It requires significant attention to light and nutrients to thrive and maintain its characteristic dense, ground-hugging growth habit.

Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Pearlwort)

Cultivation Requirements

To successfully cultivate this species, high-intensity lighting is essential. Without sufficient light, the plant will grow vertically rather than spreading. Supplemental CO2 injection is highly recommended to promote rapid, healthy growth and prevent decay. It prefers a fine-grained, nutrient-rich substrate and benefits from regular dosing of liquid fertilizers to ensure all micronutrients are available.

Planting and Maintenance

When planting, divide the portion into small clumps and insert them into the substrate with tweezers at short intervals. Over time, these will connect to form a solid carpet. Regular trimming is necessary to prevent the carpet from becoming too thick, which can lead to the bottom layers detaching from the substrate due to lack of light circulation.

Plant info

Colors: Green, Light green
Difficulty: Advanced
Origin: North America
Usage: Foreground
Type: Stem plant
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 1-3 cm
Light demand: High
CO2: High

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