Red milfoil

Quick facts

Max height

50 cm

Growth rate

fast

Difficulty

intermediate

Placement

background

Propagation

stem cutting

Water parameters

Temperature

18–28°C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Hardness

2 to 15 dGH

Cold water

tolerated (unheated setups)

Light and nutrients

Lighting

high

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

rooted

Feeding

feeds from the water column (use liquid fertilizer)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

will be eaten by mollies, silver dollars, large goldfish, and other plant-grazers

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

may get uprooted by active diggers

Root-disturbing fish

sensitive to root disturbance, plant where roots stay undisturbed

Habitat

Native to South America, found in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil and surrounding areas in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and marshes. The species (Myriophyllum mattogrossense) is a feathery stem plant with whorls of finely divided, bright green to reddish leaves. The leaf divisions are finer and more numerous than Cabomba, creating an extremely delicate, feathery texture. Under strong light, the upper portions of the stem develop orange to reddish tones. Myriophyllum species are among the most finely textured stem plants available, and M. mattogrossense is one of the more accessible species in the genus for aquarium use. The genus Myriophyllum contains over 60 species worldwide, many native to temperate regions. M. mattogrossense is one of the tropical species that adapts best to aquarium conditions. The species name refers to Mato Grosso, a state in western Brazil. Less commonly available than Cabomba or Limnophila but offered by specialty aquatic plant retailers and online hobbyist networks.

Care notes

Moderate care. Grows best under moderate to high light with CO2 injection. Without CO2, growth is slower and the fine leaves are more prone to algae colonization and dieback. Plant stems in groups of 5+, pushed into substrate. Growth under good conditions is moderate to fast: 5–10 cm per week. Trim tops and replant to propagate. The finely divided leaves trap detritus more than broader-leaved plants; gentle water circulation around the plant helps keep the foliage clean. Under high light with CO2, the stem tops develop attractive orange-red coloring. Iron and micronutrient dosing supports this color development. Temperature: 20–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water. The extremely fine texture provides visual contrast against broader-leaved background plants and makes a beautiful, soft background or midground accent. In aquascaping, Myriophyllum is used for its unique feathery texture that no other plant type replicates. Available from specialty aquatic plant retailers. Not as widely stocked as Cabomba but worth seeking out for its superior ease of growth and visual refinement.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean