Dwarf Baby Tears (HC Cuba)

Native to western Cuba, HC Cuba is arguably the most iconic carpeting plant in the planted tank hobby. The leaves are almost absurdly tiny, just a few millimeters across, and they form a dense, fine-textured mat of bright green that photographers and aquascapers chase relentlessly. When it fills in properly, the effect is stunning, like a living lawn rolling across the substrate.

Getting there is the hard part. This plant has a notoriously fragile establishment phase. Portions tend to float free from the substrate before roots anchor them, so fine-grained substrate and careful planting in small clusters (rather than large mats) makes a real difference. It needs CO2 injection and strong lighting without negotiation. Soft, low-mineral water seems to suit it best.

Propagation is straightforward once it's settled: runners spread laterally and you can trim and replant clippings to fill gaps. It's most famously associated with iwagumi-style layouts, but it works in any scape where you want a tight foreground carpet.

Browse builds from serious aquascapers and you'll see why this tiny plant has such a massive reputation.