Mint Charlie (Micromeria Brownei) - Potted

Mint Charlie (Micromeria Brownei) 

Mint Charlie—also known as Creeping Charlie—is a fast-growing, true aquatic plant native to Central and South Florida, with natural range extending into southern Georgia and Gulf-region waters. It produces small, oval leaves on creeping stems that can be shaped into a tidy midground mass or allowed to climb upward into a fuller, wilder background planting. Because it grows quickly and actively photosynthesizes, Mint Charlie is also appreciated as a strong oxygenator-style plant for both aquariums and planted ponds.

Mint Charlie Overview

Mint Charlie is a great “utility plant” that still looks attractive in a well-planned aquascape. Use it to fill space quickly, soften transitions between hardscape and taller background plants, or build a dense, leafy thicket that smaller fish naturally gravitate toward.

Aquarists like Mint Charlie because it offers a simple mix of growth, versatility, and ease:

• Fast growth that fills midground/background space quickly
• Small oval leaves that create a clean, natural texture
• Helpful as an oxygenator-style plant in tanks and planted ponds
• Easy to shape—can be kept compact with trimming or grown taller for a wilder look
• Adapts well to moderate light and a wide range of conditions

Whether you trim it into a neat bush or let it reach upward and sprawl, Mint Charlie gives you a lot of flexibility while keeping the tank looking lush and alive.

Caring for Mint Charlie

Mint Charlie is an easy, adaptable plant that does not require high-intensity lighting to do well. It grows happily in moderate light and tolerates a wide range of aquarium conditions, which makes it a good choice for newer planted tanks or aquarists who want fast results without a high-tech setup.

It does not require a specialized substrate, but it will grow faster and look more robust if it can root into a loosely packed, nutrient-rich substrate, especially one with good mineral content. A simple routine with a quality liquid fertilizer can also encourage fuller growth and richer color over time—particularly in tanks where nutrients run lean. Because it’s a fast grower, expect to trim periodically if you want to keep it compact. Trimming won’t harm the plant; in fact, regular pruning typically encourages denser, bushier growth. If you prefer a more natural, overgrown look, you can also let it run upward toward the surface and create a taller background mass—your layout style should guide how you manage it.

• Light: Moderate
• Temperature Range: 65–78°F
• Placement: Midground to Background
• CO₂: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Fast

With its fast growth and small-leaf texture, Mint Charlie is an easy way to build a lush midground or background that you can keep neatly trimmed—or let go wild for a more natural, overgrown look.

Shopping with Confidence for Aquarium Plants at Modern Aquarium

At Modern Aquarium, we focus on delivering healthy, ready-to-plant specimens that arrive in great shape and transition smoothly into your tank.

• Hand-inspected & carefully prepared: Each plant is examined and prepared before shipping so you receive a clean, healthy specimen.
• Trusted Quality Store & real reviews: Modern Aquarium has been trusted and has thousands of verified customer reviews, so you can shop with confidence.
• Live Arrival Guarantee & fast delivery: All live plants are backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee and ship via FedEx 2-Day delivery to help ensure healthy arrival.
• Trusted sourcing: We source from some of the best nurseries in Florida and handle plants carefully from the grower to your aquarium.
• WYSIWYG variability: Photos are typical examples—because live plants are natural products, individual specimens will vary in size, fullness, and exact coloration.
• Support when you need it: Use the chat feature on our website or give us a call—we’re happy to help with placement, trimming, and keeping fast growers looking their best.

If you want a plant that grows quickly, looks natural, and gives you real flexibility in how you shape the aquascape, Mint Charlie is a strong choice—trim it for a compact, tidy midground, or let it climb and fill the background for a lush, oxygenating wall of green.