Micranthemum spec. 'Monte Carlo' is a new, promising foreground plant. The name of this variety comes from the Argentinian city of Monte Carlo in the province of Misiones. In contrast with M. umbrosum, this plant does not grow upright, but creeps along the bottom as a cushion. This makes this new variety a very good alternative to Hemianthus callitrichoides 'Cuba', with much better growth habits. This new pearl grass is ideally suited for aquascaping and perfect for Nano Cubes.

Micranthemum umbrosum is a beautiful plant from US with small round leaves. It is suitable for small or large aquariums with stems becoming 10-25 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. Relatively demanding in terms of light. CO2 addition is recommended to promote growth. Once the plant starts growing it grows fast, and the shoots have to be pinched out often (can be planted as cuttings in the bottom). Most beautiful in groups of many stems.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'
This new variety only came onto the market a few years ago, and is a colourful foreground highlight. When cultivated above water, its growth is very similar to other Alternanthera varieties. The compact, miniature format only develops under the water. This little beauty comes highly recommended as a splash of colour for Nano Cubes. For a strong colour contrast, combine with a light green carpet of Hemianthus. Note that a very light, well-lit location is essential.

Ludwigia 'Rubin'
This colour variant has been commercially available for almost 10 years, and is one of the most attractive red-leaved aquarium plants. Generating such rich, red tones requires strong lighting and a good supply of CO2. In these conditions, the leaf pairs are very closely arranged on the stems, and the plants appear very compact. A group of around 10 stems mixed with light green varieties is like watching a fireworks display under water!

Golden-brown Ludwigia
This background Ludwigia is easy to grow and easy to care for. Normal lighting is sufficient, but more intense light will ensure you get the best possible colours. In an emersed state the plants are almost green to a light reddish-brown. They are very tolerant of different water temperatures, and you can even plant them around the edge of a pond in the summer. Propagation is via tip cuttings or side shoots. It grows relatively quickly and so requires frequent pruning.

A new species from India with extraordinary character. It has only been commercially available for a few years and is being used increasingly in fascinating landscapes. Not only are the leaves a very attractive rust brown to olive green, they also have a lovely feathered shape. Combine with simple plant shapes to really highlight the ornamental leaves. These plants also have the ability to grow on rocks and roots, which is completely atypical for a stem plant.

Large Amazon sword
This large Amazon sword plant is possibly the most popular aquatic plant. Its leaves are 3-6 cm wide, making them broader than the 'amazonicus', and with growth up to 60 cm it is certainly the more dominant in appearance. Older bushes, sometimes with more than 50 leaves, are an impressive sight. The substrate must be at least 10 cm deep so that the root system can spread properly. Combine with various Helanthium species (dwarf Echinodorus) to create outstanding South American underwater landscapes.