Myriophyllum Tetrandrum

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Green Cabomba-like Milfoil

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Thailand, Southeast Asia

Habitat

Calm or slow-moving freshwater such as lakes, ponds, swamps, and canals in tropical and subtropical regions, where sunlight readily penetrates the water column.

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Stem

Max height

4 – 16 in (10 – 41 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Fast

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

5.5 – 7.5

dKH

0 – 8 dKH

Flow

Moderate

Light

High

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Myriophyllum tetrandrum is a fine-leaved milfoil grown fully submerged, its lime-green needle whorls radiating from wiry reddish-brown stems in a fir-like, cloud-textured mass. It suits midground or background planting under moderate to high light with CO2, and needs regular topping to stay bushy rather than leggy. Tolerant of a wide hardness range, it adapts readily once acclimated.

Care

This fine-leaved milfoil forms dense, fir-like whorls of lime-green foliage on wiry reddish-brown stems, giving a cloud-like texture in the midground or background of a planted tank. It tolerates a wide temperature and hardness range and adapts to both soft and harder water, but consistent parameters help avoid stress after planting. Moderate to high lighting keeps growth compact; under weak light the stems stretch and lose their bushy shape. Regular trimming and replanting of tops keeps the lower stems from going bare and thinning out.

Planting & trimming

Cut stems from the lead bunch, remove any wool or rubber bands around the base, and push the stems a short distance into a nutrient-rich substrate, spacing them enough to avoid overcrowding and self-shading. Regular topping and replanting of cuttings keeps the display dense and prevents the base from becoming bare over time. It can also be grown emersed along the waterline of paludariums.

Fertilizing

Growth responds well to CO2 injection paired with a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs, since the root system is modest and mainly serves as an anchor. Liquid fertilizer supplying iron and potassium supports the deep green color of the feathery foliage. Yellowing or shedding of older leaves is usually a sign of insufficient CO2 or a lack of micronutrients rather than a lighting problem.

Propagation

Propagated by cutting healthy stem tips and replanting them directly into the substrate, where new roots form within days under adequate light and CO2. Side shoots can also be separated once a stem has branched sufficiently.

Problems

Poor circulation or debris settling on the fine foliage can block light and trigger algae growth on the lower stems. Sudden changes in water chemistry after planting may cause the lower leaves to melt or drop, so gradual acclimation is advised. Leggy, sparse growth typically points to insufficient light or CO2 rather than disease.

Sources

1. Myriophyllum tetrandrum Aquatic Plant Care | Atlarium
2. Myriophyllum tetrandrum - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
3. Myriophyllum Tetrandrum Aquarium Plant - Buce Plant
4. Myriophyllum tetrandrum: Aquatic Plant Guide

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