Myriophyllum

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Lighting: Medium   • Maximum Size: 24"
• Placement: Background   • Water Conditions: 70-84° F, pH 5.5-7.5, KH 3-8
• Propagation: Cuttings   • Color Forms: Green, Tan, Red
Supplements: Iron, Trace Elements, CO2 Supplementation
• Origin: North, Central and South America   • Family: Halorhagaceae

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Myriophyllum is a fast growing species, native to the wetland regions of North America, Central America and South America. There are several different variations of the species, such as Myriophyllum propinquum, Myriophyllum aquaticum, and Myriophyllum mattogrossense.

There is also another variation named, Myriophyllum tuberculatum, which is native to India and Southeast Asia. Myriophyllum is a very attractive species with frilly foliage that creates a rather delicate appearance. Myriophyllum has a color form that ranges from green to red (pink has been also been observed) and it makes a beautiful addition as a background plant.

Myriophyllum requires regular dosing of iron-rich fertilizer and trace elements, and will thrive under moderate lighting of 2 to 3 watts per gallon from full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. Myriophyllum will turn pale or whitish in coloration as an indication of iron or nutrient deficiency.

CO2 injection is not necessary, but is recommended as it will lead to robust and vigorous growth. This species will require regular pruning that can be achieved by simply "topping" the plants at the level desired; the cuttings may be used for propagation.

Myriophyllum tuberculatum is very similar to the other species of Myriophyllum, but its color form is a bright, burnt-orange to red and it requires high intensity lighting of at least 3.5 watts per gallon from full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs.

Regular CO2 injection is also required for Myriophyllum tuberculatum as well as regular dosing of nitrates and phosphates (5-15ppm and 1-2ppm) that should be monitored closely and never be allowed to reach zero.

Under optimal conditions, groupings of Myriophyllum tuberculatum can be eye-catching and beautiful when planted alongside green Myriophyllum or other contrasting plant species.

Propagation of this species can be achieved from cuttings; simply cut the top half of an established stem or take a cutting from a side-shoot and gently replant it in the substrate after removing any leaves from the last node of the stem. The "parent" stem will quickly develop new shoots and the newly planted cutting will quickly develop a root system. Over time, the process will develop lush, bushy plants that have multiple lateral branches.