How do I grow Micranthemum "Monte Carlo" & "Takashi Carpet"? Carpeting Aquarium Plants

Two great Aquarium Carpeting Plants - Micranthemum ‘Monte Carlo’ and Micranthemum 'Takashi Carpet"

Scientific Names – Micranthemum tweediei, Micranthemum umbrosum

Monte Carlo and Takashi Carpet are similar varieties of Micranthemum with different growth habits. Their different habits are shown here to great effect. This terracotta vase features Takashi Carpet growing in a tuft out the top, surrounded by draping Monte Carlo.

Both Micranthemums are fantastic aquarium ground covers that can sometimes be tricky but when they are in the right environment, they thrive.

Understanding how they grow in nature can help. Micranthemum is a marginal aquatic plant that can be found straddling the shoreline of ponds and streams, as well as in boggy depressions. Because of the generally exposed nature of its environment, it tends to prefer high levels of light.

The light green colouration of its leaves is another good indication of its light requirement. In general, the lighter the leaves on a plant, the more light it needs. This is due to a lower concentration of energy-producing chlorophyll in the plant’s cell structure. Conversely, darker green plants require less light for the same reason.

With this said, rather than spending big on a lighting system that will penetrate the water column of a deep display tank, why not try it in a shallower shrimp/nano tank?

Micranthemum will grow happily in a tank less than a foot deep (30cm) with standard lighting. If you keep your nano tank well-stocked, the CO₂ and nitrate levels will take care of themselves. An occasional dose of plant fertilizer is a good supplement for trace elements.

Another great spot for this plant is in the shallow pools of your pet frog’s vivarium.

So, don’t be afraid! Give it a try. In the right conditions, this plant is easier to care for than you think, and your cherry shrimp will thank you for their lush green carpet.

 How to grow Carpeting Plants in your Aquarium

• You can gently split plants up before planting. If you plant out lots of smaller clumps, after a few weeks of acclimatising, it will rapidly fill out and carpet the floor of your aquarium. Aquascaping tweezers will make this task much easier. 
• It's also a great option to checkerboard 5cm pots and let them fill in the gaps - if you are not confident splitting and planting small pieces, this is an ideal way to go. 
• Once established, Micranthemum will propagate itself rapidly, sending out runners across the aquarium substrate.
• To keep the carpet low and dense, ensure that new shoots are pinched out regularly. These shoots can be replanted in less established spots to improve coverage. This will improve circulation and ensure that enough light reaches the lower sections of the plant.
• Micranthemum can be grown in a wide range of substrates; however, fine aquarium gravel by itself or mixed with aquarium soil will produce the best results.
• This plant can also be grown as an epiphyte! Wedge it in the cracks and crevices of your terrarium/vivariums and keep it well misted.