Myriophyllum Mattogrossense (Myriophyllum mattogrossense) Care Guide
A striking feathery stem plant with fine needle-like leaves arranged in dense whorls that turn reddish-orange under intense light.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Myriophyllum mattogrossense is an aquatic plant in the family Haloragaceae. A striking feathery stem plant with fine needle-like leaves arranged in dense whorls that turn reddish-orange under intense light. Grows rapidly and requires regular trimming to maintain its dense, bushy shape.
Taxonomy
- Family: Haloragaceae
- Genus: Myriophyllum
- Scientific name: Myriophyllum mattogrossense
- Other names: Mato Grosso Milfoil
Habitat
A member of the cosmopolitan genus Myriophyllum (family Haloragaceae). Originates from South America (Mato Grosso region of Brazil and adjacent watersheds). Submerged stems carry finely pinnately divided whorled leaves.
Growth requirements
- Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Growth rate: fast
- Difficulty: intermediate
Placement
- Recommended placement: background
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Trim every: 10 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).
Propagating Myriophyllum mattogrossense from Cuttings
Overview
Myriophyllum mattogrossense is a feathery milfoil native to the wetlands of South America and commonly used as an aquarium plant. Its submersed stems carry whorled leaves that are finely, pinnately divided, giving the bush its needle-like, fir-tree appearance. Like other members of the genus Haloragaceae, it grows quickly and is propagated almost entirely by stem fragments rather than by seed.
Propagation Method (Cuttings)
This milfoil is multiplied by taking cuttings, also called topping. Across Myriophyllum, propagation is easy: cut off the top 3 to 4 inches of a healthy stem and replant it, leaving the bottom part to sprout new shoots. Mature stems that have already produced side shoots can also be detached near the main stem and replanted once they are a few centimetres in size, each forming a separate new plant.
Step-by-Step
- Select a healthy, vigorous top with dense whorls of foliage.
- Cut the top 3 to 4 inches (roughly 8 to 10 cm) of the stem with clean scissors.
- Strip the lower leaves from the section that will sit in the substrate, since buried internodes will send out roots.
- Plant the cutting deeply, at least 2 to 3 inches into the substrate; new roots sprout quickly from the internodes.
- Leave the rooted base in place so it can push out fresh side shoots from below the cut.
Conditions for Healthy Growth
Dense, well-coloured growth depends on a stable nutrient supply through water-column dosing or a rich substrate, adequate carbon from CO2 injection, and a mature tank. Higher light levels around 90 PAR and CO2 injection encourage the plant to branch more profusely and form a denser bush, and bring out the reddish tones the species can develop.
Trimming & Maintenance
Because the species grows fast, frequent rejuvenation keeps the bush fresh and algae-free. After repeated pruning the lower parts of the plant should be uprooted and discarded, with new tops replanted in their place rather than relying indefinitely on the old base.
Common Challenges
An old base that has been trimmed many times sprouts weaker, sparser shoots, so a stale lower stem is the usual cause of thin regrowth. Insufficient light, carbon, or nutrients leads to leggy, pale stems and trapped algae instead of the compact feathery form the plant is grown for.