Micrantemum Monte Carlo plant shady
Micrantemum is a ground cover tropical plant that lives in natural conditions on the shores of water bodies. Due to its ability to live underwater at home, it is used to decorate aquariums.
Micrantemum “Monte Carlo” was found near the city of Monte Carlo, which is why it got its name. The plant has developed roots that do not allow it to rise up even with a carpet thickness of 10 cm. Many thin stems, densely covered with tiny leaves with a diameter of 3 mm, extend from the roots. Expanding, the micrantemum forms a living rug, ideal for decorating equipment and driftwood.
Micrantemum can exist as a floating plant
If the plant is tied with a thread to a snag sticking out of the water, then after a while it will grow and turn into a surface form. Moreover, the underwater and surface parts will feel equally comfortable.
Shady micrantemum outwardly is very similar to the previous variety, differing only in larger leaves up to 10 mm in diameter. The plant is very unpretentious and easily adapts to changing conditions. It grows up to 20 cm in height and 15 cm in width.
Under favorable conditions, flowering occurs, and miniature flowers bloom only on shoots that are above the water. If it is not possible to plant a plant in the ground, then you can simply put it in water, and it will exist in a floating form.
The content of micrantemum in the aquarium
Sand or small pebbles are suitable as soil. The substrate must contain sufficient amounts of nutrients and iron, necessary for the intensive growth of the plant. The planting process is not difficult – just stick the stem into the ground, leaving only the top on the surface, and it will quickly take root. The water should be of medium hardness, the optimum temperature is 23-28 ° С.
To get a lush rug, you need to use mineral fertilizers, but you should not get carried away – if the permissible concentration is exceeded, plant growth will slow down and the leaves will darken
The plant loves bright light, about 1 W per 1 liter of water. The duration of daylight hours should be at least 10 hours. In insufficient light, the stems will begin to stretch upward, and in the worst case, they may stop growing altogether. In addition, it is necessary to regularly saturate with carbon dioxide and change 1/3 of the volume of water for fresh water once a week.
Basically, micrantemums are located in the middle plan of the aquarium. They look perfect among stones and on snags, as well as in group plantings with Wendt’s Cryptocoryna and other foreground specimens.