Monte Carlo – Aquarium Plant Care & Profile

The Monte Carlo plant (Micranthemum tweediei) is one of the most popular carpeting plants in freshwater aquascaping. With its small, round leaves and vibrant green color, Monte Carlo forms a lush foreground carpet, making it a favorite for creating natural-looking planted tanks.

🌊 Quick Facts:

• Scientific Name: Micranthemum tweediei
• Common Name: Monte Carlo
• Origin: South America (Argentina)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Medium to fast (with CO₂)
• Lighting: Medium to high
• CO₂: Recommended for dense carpeting, but can grow low-tech with patience
• Placement: Foreground carpeting plant
• Height: 1–2 inches

✨ Why Choose Monte Carlo?

• Creates a dense, bright green carpet in aquariums
• More forgiving than dwarf baby tears (HC Cuba)
• Provides cover for shrimp and small fish fry
• Popular choice for aquascaping and Iwagumi-style tanks
• Can be trimmed to stay compact and lush

💡 Care Tips:
Plant small clumps into nutrient-rich substrate for faster spreading. CO₂ injection and medium-high light encourage rapid carpeting. Regular trimming helps maintain a low, even carpet. Works beautifully in nano tanks and large aquascapes alike.