The article below explores two common aquatic plants – dwarf baby tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) and Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei). Both are popular additions to freshwater tanks and see regular use in aquascaping. You will learn what environments they thrive in and the care each unique plant needs, which may help guide your choice. But no matter which one you choose, if you plan to add fish, find a relatively gentle species. Otherwise, they may chow down on your beautiful new plants.
Dwarf Baby Tears vs. Monte Carlo: Comparison
Just a quick glance at dwarf baby tears and Monte Carlo will not help you understand how the two plants differ. They look remarkably similar in many ways. So the chart below breaks down some of their unique traits and characteristics to offer a better view. Both dwarf baby tears (Hemianthus callitrichoides) and Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei) are aquatic plants perfectly suited for carpeting aquarium substrates and members of the Linderniaceae (false pimpernel) family. Dwarf baby tears and Monte Carlo are both vibrant green, tiny aquatic plants with rounded leaves. But despite their similar appearance, the two plants are quite different. It is easiest to see these differences in their origin, uses, size, and growing requirements. Below, we go into each of these areas more in-depth.
Dwarf Baby Tears vs. Monte Carlo: Origin
The teeny dwarf baby tears are native to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Cuba. Scientists only recently discovered this lovely plant in 2003, east of Havana. On the other hand, Monte Carlo is native to northern Argentina.
Dwarf Baby Tears vs. Monte Carlo: Uses
While you can add both plants to carpet your freshwater aquarium substrate, that is where the similarities end. Dwarf baby tears also make a lovely floating cover for any freshwater tank. You may want to include a mat to help stabilize the plants to add them as a floating cover. But Monte Carlo is not a good floating carpet option. However, once the plants get firmly established, you can take some cuttings and propagate them on any rocks in your tank. They will grow into a beautiful cascade.
Dwarf Baby Tears vs. Monte Carlo: Size
Once they reach maturity, dwarf baby tears only grow to about 5 or 6 inches in height. And while that may seem small, it is nothing compared to Monte Carlo. This tiny plant only hits 2.25 inches when it is fully grown.
Dwarf Baby Tears vs. Monte Carlo: Growing Requirements
Aquatic plants take a little extra care than many standard houseplants. Ensuring you pay close attention to the unique growing environments will keep both plants thriving. Dwarf baby tears are a little fussy and very high maintenance. However, if you stay on top of their care, your plants will reward you with a luscious green carpet. They require a ton of nutrients, much more than some of their freshwater counterparts. One of the key nutrients they need is a significant amount of iron. The plants will source much of that from a fine-grain substrate. Additionally, dwarf baby tears need a very stable and well-lit environment. The tank water temperature should range from 68-82° F. The pH should sit between 5.0-7.5, and the KH should range between 0-10. Your plants will also need regular supplementation with CO2 injections. On the other hand, Monte Carlo plants are not nearly as picky. While they will benefit from CO2 injections, they do not need them. You also don’t need to worry about providing too much extra nutrition. This low-maintenance plant does not need a lot of TLC to survive or thrive. What you do want to pay close attention to is the growing environment. You will want to maintain a water temperature between 68-77°F and a pH between 6.0-8.0. Monte Carlo also needs slightly less lighting than dwarf baby tears. You can get away with medium to high lighting for this teeny plant.
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Yes! Dwarf baby tears will grow floating in a tank, especially if the tank is deep. Opt for a mat rather than putting the root clusters or pot directly in the water. It will help stabilize the plant better and improve its ability to float. Do dwarf baby tears grow fast? Dwarf baby tears are relatively slow growing. However, if you plant them an inch or two apart and in clumps, they will grow together after a few weeks. After they spread, your dwarf baby tears create a beautiful, thick “carpet.” Do dwarf baby tears need CO2? Yes, this carpeting plant requires a fair amount of nutrition, including CO2 injections. Do dwarf baby tears need a substrate? If you intend to include dwarf baby tears inside your freshwater aquarium, they will need a substrate. However, due to their weak rooting system, they need a specific type of substrate. Opt for a porous and fine-grain substrate. Is Monte Carlo easy to grow? Monte Carlo is a popular plant to grow as a carpet in aquatic environments. Many opt for this plant partly because of its easy nature. It is easy to care for and an ideal option for beginners. Does Monte Carlo require CO2? No, this lovely carpeting plant does not need CO2 injections. But if you want to help your Monte Carlo grow faster and healthier, consider incorporating CO2 into your plant care regimen. Can you plant Monte Carlo in gravel? Monte Carlo will root in any substrate. However, it does best when planted in fine gravel or sand.
