Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei) Tissue Culture

Micranthemum “Monte Carlo” is an ideal carpeting plant that is similar to Dwarf Baby’s Tears, but is much easier to keep!

Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei) is an increasingly popular plant for carpeting the serious freshwater planted aquarium. With proper care, this hardy, fast-growing plant can flourish and cover the entire foreground of the aquascape with beautiful lime green coloration. Due to its comparatively much easier care requirements and similar appearance, Monte Carlo is becoming a highly-desired alternative to the related species Dwarf Baby’s Tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides “Cuba”).

This variety of Monte Carlo requires moderate to high lighting for regular growth, although some suggest that it will grow slowly even in low lighting as long as sufficient nutrients are present. Its trimmings can be replanted to increase the mat. It does not require CO₂ supplementation, but CO₂ supplementation will contribute to more optimal growth and health. While it is a relatively adaptable plant, it of course will flourish most in a higher tech setup.

This listing is for the tissue culture form of Monte Carlo. Tissue cultures are superior to traditional forms of aquarium plants in many ways. They are produced in a completely sterile environment which eliminates the possibility of them carrying pest snails or algae spores. They have a shelf life of several months if properly maintained and they are housed in a nutrient gel until introduced to the aquarium. To introduce a tissue culture plant to the aquarium, simply rinse off as much nutrient gel as possible, then plant as usual. The nutrient gel will not harm your aquarium.  

Like most plants, Monte Carlo will benefit from supplementation such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Iron, and other plant supplements.  

What We Like About This Plant:

• Prolific carpeting plant
• Easy care
• Delicate, attractive appearance
• Provides protective cover for fry and can attach to or cover many surfaces in the aquarium
• Tissue cultures contain no unwanted pest animals or algae

Care Guidelines:

• Temperature: 70° - 90° F (21° - 32° C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Lighting: Moderate to High.
• Potential Height: 1.2 - 2 inches (3-5 cm), sometimes taller.
• Origin: Indigenous to Argentina,“cloned” in tissue cultures
• Aquarium Placement: Foreground
• Care: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Medium to Fast

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!