Couldn't load pickup availability
Get help from experts voted Top 40 in the UK for Aquatic Stores by the readers of Practical Fishkeeping Magazine
Micranthemum Monte Carlo Potted - Carpeting Foreground Aquarium Plant for Aquascaping & Planted Tanks
Monte Carlo is one of the most popular carpeting aquarium plants, valued for its vibrant green colour and ability to form dense, low-growing carpets. With good lighting and CO2, it quickly creates a lush, professional-looking foreground.
KEY BENEFITS
IDEAL FOR
CARE SNAPSHOT
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Lighting: Medium to high
CO2: Recommended
Growth: Moderate to fast
Placement: Foreground
Monte Carlo is a highly versatile carpeting plant that has become a staple in modern aquascaping. Its small, round leaves and creeping growth habit allow it to form a dense, cushion-like carpet across the substrate, creating a clean and natural foreground.
Each pot contains multiple plantlets that can be divided and spread across the foreground for even coverage.
In aquascapes, Monte Carlo is commonly used to create smooth, flowing carpets that soften hardscape and tie the layout together. It works particularly well in Iwagumi layouts, where it highlights stone arrangements, as well as in nature-style tanks where it creates a lush, meadow-like effect.
What makes Monte Carlo especially appealing is its balance between ease of care and visual impact. Compared to more demanding carpeting plants, it is relatively forgiving while still delivering a high-end look. With consistent CO2 and lighting, it grows compact and spreads efficiently.
Some initial melt may occur during the transition from tissue culture to submerged growth, but this is temporary and followed by healthy new growth once established.
SPECIFICATIONS
Scientific name: Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo'
Common name: Monte Carlo
Origin: South America
Height: 2-5 cm
Placement: Foreground
Lighting: Medium to high
CO2: Recommended
Temperature: 20-28¡C
pH: 6.0-7.5
CARE GUIDE
Planting
Remove from the pot and rinse off all nutrient gel thoroughly. Divide into small portions and plant evenly across the substrate using tweezers, spacing slightly apart to encourage spreading.
Trimming
Trim regularly to maintain a low, dense carpet. Cutting back overgrowth encourages horizontal spreading and prevents vertical growth.
Feeding
Use a nutrient-rich aquasoil for best results. Supplement with liquid fertilisers to maintain strong, healthy growth.
CO2 Notes
CO2 injection is strongly recommended for dense carpeting and faster spread. Without CO2, growth will be slower and less compact.
FAQ SECTION
What does In Vitro mean?
It means the plant is grown in sterile lab conditions, free from pests, algae, and contaminants.
Is Monte Carlo suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the easiest carpeting plants, especially with CO2 and good lighting.
How long does it take to carpet?
Under good conditions, it can form a noticeable carpet within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Can it grow without CO2?
Yes, but growth will be slower and less dense compared to CO2-enriched setups.
Is it safe for shrimp tanks?
Yes, the In Vitro format makes it completely safe for shrimp and sensitive environments.
Why is it growing upwards instead of spreading?
This usually indicates insufficient light or lack of CO2. Increasing both will encourage horizontal growth.
PAIRS WELL WITH
Delivery Details
We aim to get all orders on a next day delivery service with Royal Mail or Parcel Force, occasionally Yodel, however this is not guaranteed.
DELIVERY
Free shipping orders over £50 (excludes certain items and delivery to Ireland)
1 - 3 working days
Click & collect
Pick up in-store Free
Standard Shipping
1 - 3 working days £5.00
Browse some of our most popular collections.
