🌿 Monte Carlo (Micranthemum 'Monte Carlo') forms a dense, trailing mat of tiny bright-green leaves across the foreground. Built for a natural aquarium, it spreads by runners over a deep soil base with a sand cap—no CO2, no bottled fertilizers—just healthy roots, steady light, and time.
Why it’s great for a natural aquarium
- ✅ Bright, small round leaves—adds lush, lawn-like texture
- ✅ Spreads quickly—horizontal runners root naturally in soil
- ✅ Low-tech friendly—no CO2 or liquid dosing in dirted tanks
- ✅ Shrimp-safe & fry friendly—creates microhabitats and grazing zones
- ✅ Easy to trim & shape—keeps a neat foreground
Care
- Lighting: moderate (more light = tighter carpet)
- CO2: not required in dirted tanks
- Placement: foreground
- Growth rate: moderate to fast
- Tank size: 5 gallons and up
🌱 Plant in small plugs a few inches apart with the crown at sand level. Trim tops lightly after planting to encourage horizontal runners and dense growth.
Father Fish tip
“Monte Carlo loves deep dirt and low stress. Give it time and it’ll take over.”
👉 Build your natural aquarium foundation with Aqua Preta soils, and see more easy foregrounds in the Carpeting Plants Collection.
