Overview
Monte Carlo is a popular foreground carpeting plant in the aquascaping world. It has small, round, vibrant green leaves, similar in appearance to Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf Baby Tears), but it is much easier to grow. Monte Carlo spreads quickly across the substrate, forming a dense, lush carpet that provides a natural and serene look to aquariums.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Moderate to high. Strong lighting encourages faster growth and a denser carpet.
CO₂ Requirement: Beneficial for optimal growth and compact structure, though it can grow in low-tech setups with slower growth.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F)
pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2-12 dGH)
Substrate: Requires a nutrient-rich substrate for robust root growth and spreading. Fine-grain substrates work best to anchor the plant.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under ideal conditions.
Pruning: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a neat carpet and prevent the lower leaves from dying due to lack of light.
Planting and Propagation
Planting:
Divide the plant into small portions and plant each portion a few centimeters apart.
Ensure the roots are buried in the substrate while the leaves remain above.
Propagation:
Spreads naturally by sending out runners.
You can also propagate by cutting the runners and replanting them
Uses in Aquascaping
Foreground Carpets: Ideal for creating lush, green carpets in the foreground of aquascapes.
Iwagumi Style Tanks: Frequently used in minimalist Iwagumi aquascapes to complement rocks and provide contrast.
Nano Tanks: Perfect for small aquariums due to its compact growth habit.
 
 
 
*Due to natural variations, the product may differ  in appearance from the picture provided.*