HC Cuba as an Epiphyte

[JayP]

As I'm getting things reset on my 60cm Brazilian scape, I was thinking about replacing the Monte Carlo I was growing over the rocks with HC Cuba. I don't know that I've seen any scapes using Cuba as an epiphyte like that though. Does anyone have experience with this and if so, would you recommend trying it or no? Even with the Monte Carlo, I was having a little challenge getting all the runners to flow down and drape on the rock and not wanting to float up.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

I actually just did this in my Inert Sand Trials tank! I'd been growing Monte Carlo as an epiphyte, but wanted to see if I could get the smaller, darker green leaves of HC Cuba to work instead.

Yes, it does work. It grows extremely similarly to Monte Carlo, though I had both in the same tank and it was clear that the Monte Carlo was a faster grower once established, and less prone to algae.

HC Cuba tends to not like warm water, either. And needs a good amount of CO2, though I know you have that covered.



Also, lots of tanks use both MC and HC to give a sense of depth. Using the larger MC in the front, and smaller HC in the back, makes it seem like the tank has a lot of depth:

^MC in the front, HC in a few places in the back to enhance the sense of depth.




Here's one of the better uses of it I've seen, draping over rocks:


So yes, it will grow as an epiphyte for sure! It's become very common in the Eurasian diorama scapes.

My experience is that it grows almost identically to MC as an epiphyte, just slower and more prone to algae. Requires good CO2 and nutrients, whereas MC seems less picky.

 

[JayP]

Awesome!

 

[Capraquaria]

I actually just watched a video last night where HC Cuba was used as an epiphyte at MJ Aquascaping, while trawling for plant inspiration for my current build. Mark had it growing on a lava rock arch (around the 12 minute mark on this video) I made note of it as I liked the idea of the smaller more delicate leaves compared to Monte Carlo to drape from some driftwood I'm using, and not necessarily defaulting to weeping moss.