Monte Carlo Dry Start Method

[Jeevanilla]

I am starting a nano planted aquarium. It’s my first time attempting the Dry Start Method with Monte Carlo. It’s been about 1 week and a half and there is green growth but a fair amount of melt. I planted some more about 3 days ago and it’s begining to melt! What is the reason for melting plants?
Substrate: dirt with a sand cap
Lighting is on for about 12 hours
And I’m dosing foliar fertilizer when I mist the tank, so about every two days
I have a heat mat underneath to keep the humidity up at night only
Please help, I really want a lush carpet!

 

[Seasoldier]

Hi, I believe melt happens when you put new plants into substrate because the roots take time to establish & start supplying the plant with nutrients also many aquatic plants are grown not submerged so when you plant them submerged it takes time for them to get used to the new environment so if your Monte Carlo came from submerged plants maybe the opposite effect would be similar???

 

[Jeevanilla]

Hi, I believe melt happens when you put new plants into substrate because the roots take time to establish & start supplying the plant with nutrients also many aquatic plants are grown not submerged so when you plant them submerged it takes time for them to get used to the new environment so if your Monte Carlo came from submerged plants maybe the opposite effect would be similar???

So it’s normal ?

 

[Seasoldier]

So it’s normal ?

Yep, it happens a lot but the plant usually bounces back once it settles in.