Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo'

Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo', known for its excellent carpeting abilities, is a popular choice among aquascapers for creating lush green carpets in aquariums. Originating from Argentina, this small-leaved foreground plant forms dense mats that provide a vibrant and natural look to aquascapes.

Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo' thrives in moderate to high lighting conditions and CO2 supplementation, which promotes compact growth and lush carpet formation. It grows best in nutrient-rich substrate and benefits from regular fertilization to support its vigorous growth. This plant is versatile and can adapt to various water parameters, including temperatures between 20-28°C (68-82°F) and a pH range of 6.0-7.5.

In an Iwagumi style aquascape, Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo' is often used to create a uniform and smooth carpet around hardscape elements such as rocks (seki-ryu) or stones (ishi). Its low, dense growth complements the minimalist aesthetic of Iwagumi layouts, providing a soft contrast to the rugged textures of the stones. Proper trimming and maintenance are essential to ensure the carpet remains neat and uniform, enhancing the overall harmony of the aquascape.

Beyond Iwagumi styles, Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo' can also be used in Nature Aquarium layouts, Dutch-style aquascapes, or even as a foreground accent in more densely planted tanks. Its ability to form dense carpets makes it suitable for creating visual depth and perspective in the aquarium, whether as a standalone carpet or in combination with taller background plants and midground specimens.

Care Tips:

• Substrate: Use nutrient-rich substrate or add root tabs for optimal growth.
• Lighting: Moderate to high lighting; CO2 supplementation enhances growth.
• Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Nutrients: Requires moderate to high levels of nutrients; supplement with liquid fertilizers containing micronutrients.
• Propagation: Propagate by dividing healthy clumps and replanting them to fill out the carpet.

Growth: Medium to fast
Lighting: Moderate to high
Temperature: 20-28°C (68-82°F)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Nutrients: Medium to high
Difficulty: Intermediate

Although CO2 is preferred, this does NOT need CO2! 

Quantity: 1 Pot