TankBud

Red myriophyllum

Myriophyllum tuberculatum

Also known as Red watermilfoil, Red water milfoil, Myriophyllum sp. 'Red'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ required
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
5.0–7.0
Hardness
0–8 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Haloragaceae
Origin
Tropical Asia and Australia (India, Pakistan, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia)

Overview

Red myriophyllum is one of the most demanding milfoils, a difficult red stem for the background. Competition aquascapers use it as a color highlight in high-tech and Dutch-style tanks.

Did you know

Red myriophyllum is sometimes confused in the trade with Myriophyllum mattogrossense. The two are distinct species with different native ranges.

Caring for red myriophyllum

Strip the lower leaves and plant the stems one at a time toward the back. Red myriophyllum needs high light, roughly 0.8 watts per liter or more, and pressurized CO2. Without them it fades to a dull, stunted green.

It feeds through its roots and from the water, so use root tabs along with liquid dosing. Generous iron and micronutrient dosing develops its red and orange color. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C), with a pH of 5 to 7 and a GH of 0 to 8.

It grows fast, to about 12 in (30 cm). Trim it by removing the old base and replanting the strong upper section, since the rooted stump reshoots slowly. Side shoots can be cut off and planted on their own once they have a few leaves.

Good to know

Red myriophyllum, Myriophyllum tuberculatum, is a member of the watermilfoil family Haloragaceae. Like other Myriophyllum it has finely dissected, pinnate leaves arranged in whorls around the stem. The feathery whorls fan out on upright, reddish stems. It is also sold as red watermilfoil and Myriophyllum sp. 'Red'.

In the wild

Red myriophyllum grows in slow-flowing and stagnant tropical waters across southern Asia and into Australia. Its range runs from India and Pakistan through southern China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Common questions

Does red myriophyllum need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does red myriophyllum need CO2?

Yes. Red myriophyllum needs injected CO2 to grow well, and it usually struggles without it.

How much light does red myriophyllum need?

Red myriophyllum needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does red myriophyllum need root tabs?

They help. Red myriophyllum takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate red myriophyllum?

Red myriophyllum propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does red myriophyllum grow?

Red myriophyllum grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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