Fertilizer for dry starting Monte Carlo

[Jackaroni]

I am trying out dry starting for the very first time.  I am using a 12 gallon (36"L X 8"W X 10"H) tank with Eco-Complete substrate. I set this tank up 2 weeks ago with Monte Carlo tissue culture. Since the Eco-Complete doesn't contain any nutrients I broke open some Easy Root Tabs and sprinkled it across the surface of the substrate. Misting the plants has washed the powder into the substrate. The MC doesn't look as good as I would like and was wondering if a dilute water w/Easy Green solution could be used to mist on the plants, or if it would just do more harm than good.  Another option would be to use dirty aquarium water from another tank to mist the plants with.

[TheSwissAquarist]

What’s the humidity level like in there? Is there a cover/light? Most of these plants require high humidity out of the water:

https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/paludarium-plants

[Jackaroni]

The humidity is high enough that there is condensation on the sides of the tank. There is a spot where I have dug through the substrate to the bottom of the tank so I can see the water level, there is just enough water to barely cover the bottom of the tank, this can be seen in the photo.  It is a rimless tank with a 36" Finnex light and is covered with saran wrap, I have pulled the wrap back about an inch on two opposite corners.

[Patrick_G]

I’ve done two dry starts with MC and both times  I’ve had a bit of yellowing. I think it’s normal and it should fill in with healthy leaves as it grows. I used aquasoil and didn’t need extra ferts but I think you’re on the right track with the misting of easy green. Also, blast the light on high intensity for as long as you want since you don’t have to worry about algae. 😁

[Jackaroni]

Would misting with Easy Green be too much if I sprinkled the contents of several root tabs over the substrate?

[Jackaroni]

I was getting very concerned about what I was sure was the eminent demise of my Monte Carlo, but upon closer inspection I can see new, greener growth appearing!  There is hope after all!