
Hemianthus callitrichoides is not particularly light demanding, but the more light we provide, the more compact the growth form. Under limited light, the plant grows a bit longer (up to 20 cm). Hemianthus callitrichoides is fast growing and thus, it requires fertilizer (typically after 3-4 weeks) unless you have many fish in the aquarium. Iron deficiency is common and is recognized by the new leaves being yellowish. However, the deficiency is easily treated by using
PLANT NUTRITION liquid in the recommended doses. At intense growth pruning may be necessary and it may be done like pruning grass. Like in most other cases, extra vivid growth is obtained by adding CO2 but the beautiful oxygen bubbles are often formed also without using CO2 enrichment. Hemianthus callitrichoides has its optimum temperature around 25 ºC but it thrives well from 20 to 28 ºC.
Hemianthus callitrichoides is perhaps one of the best and easiest foreground plants we have because it quickly forms a low carpet and the ornamental effect is highly improved by the oxygen bubbles which easily form on the leaves. However, many faster growing plants may overgrow Hemianthus callitrichoides and thus, it is necessary to prune neighboring plants every now and then.
Hemianthus callitrichoides is relatively new in our hobby and thus, the information about it is scarce. Hemianthus callitrichoides is botanically described in a Spanish flora (Flora de Cuba) and a few experiences from the aquarium are listed in the literature below.
Literature:
Kramer H G (2003) Hemianthus callitrichoides (flora aquatica). Aquaristik Fachmagazin 169: 74, in German
|