Propagating Myriophyllum tuberculatum 'Red' from Cuttings

Step-by-step guide to propagating red milfoil 'Red' by stem cuttings: topping, replanting and the strong light, CO2 and iron needed to keep the feathery whorls reddish.

Overview

Myriophyllum tuberculatum 'Red' is a demanding red cultivar of the milfoil genus Myriophyllum, a group of freshwater aquatic plants with elongate stems and finely, pinnately divided whorled leaves. The 'Red' selection develops reddish to rust tones only under intense conditions, so it is propagated vegetatively to keep those traits identical to the parent stem.

Milfoils are naturally fragmenting plants: detached stem fragments can grow back into new plants. This makes cutting-based propagation reliable, and it is the only method used for the 'Red' cultivar in the aquarium.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

Propagation relies on topping: the upper portion of a growing stem is cut off and replanted, while the remaining base sends out side shoots that branch into new stems. Because milfoil regrows readily from fragments, each topping multiplies the plant.

Step-by-Step

Choose a vigorous, well-colored stem at least 12-15 cm tall.
Cut the top 5-10 cm with clean, sharp scissors just above a whorl of leaves.
Strip the leaves from the lowest 2-3 cm of the cutting to expose bare stem for rooting.
Plant the bare section into nutrient-rich substrate, spacing cuttings so light reaches each stem.
Leave the base in place; it will push out lateral shoots to form a denser group.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This is a high-tech plant. Strong light, CO2 injection and good iron supply drive both growth and red coloration; without CO2 it performs poorly. Higher PAR (roughly 90+ umols) produces denser, more branching growth, while very bright light (100+ umols) brings out whiter, reddish-tipped growth. Aim for around 30 ppm CO2.

Lighting: high.
CO2: injected, around 30 ppm, strongly recommended.
Iron and macro/micro fertilization: regular dosing; supplemental iron deepens both green and red tones.
Substrate: nutrient-rich.
Temperature: 22-28 C; pH 5.5-7; GH 1-8.

Trimming & Maintenance

Milfoil is shaped by cutting overly tall strands off at the base. Trim roughly every 10 days to keep the group dense; each trim also yields fresh cuttings for further propagation. Submersed growth carries the fine, dissected whorls; emersed growth on the same genus tends to be stiffer and smaller, so keep stems submerged for the ornamental form.

Common Challenges

Loss of red color, usually from insufficient light, CO2 or iron.
Thin, leggy stems when planted too densely and shaded.
Stalled growth without CO2, since this species depends on it more than easier milfoils.
Stray fragments rooting where unwanted, a reminder that even small pieces regrow.