One of the most popular ground covers in aquaristics has only been commercially available for a few years. Since then, however, Kuba Perlkraut has begun its triumphal procession and covers the foreground of many plant tanks.
key data
- Attitude: medium
- Breeding: runners, cuttings
- Size: only a few cm, ground cover
- Temperature: 18-28ºC
- PH: 5 – 7
- GH: up to 30 °dH KH: up to 20 °dH
Look
The Kuba Perlkraut is considered the smallest aquarium plant in the world. The light green, oval leaves are only about 3 mm in size. The leaves are so dense that they look like a carpet of pearls, which is also reflected in the plant’s common name.
The Kuba Perlkraut grows flat along the ground and forms dense cushions there. If you let it, sooner or later it will cover the entire substrate. Since pearlwort can also grow emersed, it is also suitable for paludariums or the greening of mat filters. The leaves of both forms are similar. The small, white flowers, on the other hand, form the plants only above the waterline.
distribution
Not many aquaristic relevant animals and plants come from the Caribbean. So the Kuba Perlkraut was only imported to Europe very late. Since 2004, however, the plant has been used in aquaristics and is particularly popular with aquascapers.
In its natural habitat on Cuba, pearlwort grows both submerged and emersed. Depending on the dry or rainy season, the water level there is subject to large fluctuations. In the dry season, for example, the Kuba Perlkraut often lies outside and instead has to fight against strong currents in the rainy season.
husbandry conditions
For a dense carpet of Cuba Pearlwort, a high light intensity is required, which can also penetrate to the ground. Fresh water in the form of frequent partial water changes is good for the plant. Fertilization is particularly important with Kuba Perlkraut, this is especially true for iron. Pearlwort is warmth-loving and long-term keeping should be at the upper end of its temperature tolerance. Although the plant is not a pronounced soft water specialist, keeping it in soft and slightly acidic water is much easier.
Especially in the aquascape and in the natural aquarium, the Kuba pearl herb is often used for detailed decoration. Both inserting and cutting back is a game of patience. The roots are very fine and it takes a lot of patience for them to grow. The situation is similar when cutting into the right shape. It is best to practice with plant tweezers until you have mastered the precise movements.
With the right conditions and additional CO2 supply, Kuba Perlkraut soon grows into an impressive carpet. The plant cushions can be easily divided and then reused elsewhere or in other tanks. If you want, you can also try to tie the plant to furniture. A root covered with pearlwort that protrudes into the open water is particularly attractive.
particularities
In trade and also among insiders, Kuba Perlkraut is often only addressed with the name «HCC». This abbreviation comes from the scientific name Hemianthus callitrichoides cuba.