Spiked water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Spiked water-milfoil, Eurasian watermilfoil
Family
Haloragaceae (water milfoil family)
Origin
Europe (including Britain), Asia and North Africa
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
250 cm
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful

Care

Spiked water-milfoil is a submerged perennial of still and slow water, with slender stems up to 2.5 m long, leaves in whorls of four with 12–21 pairs of thread-like segments, and small reddish flowers on spikes held above the water. Water milfoils (Myriophyllum) are submerged aquatic plants with long stems and whorls of finely divided, feather-like leaves; Australia is the centre of diversity for the genus. It is a temperate plant and suits coldwater tanks and ponds better than tropical aquariums. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is a major invasive weed across northern North America, where it crowds out native plants and cannot be eradicated once established. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriophyllumspicatum); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriophyllum); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads mainly from broken stem fragments; plant cuttings to propagate.

Compatibility and tank mates

Best in unheated or coldwater tanks and ponds with temperate fish such as minnows, sticklebacks or small goldfish; large goldfish and koi may eat or uproot it. It suits tropical tanks poorly over the long term.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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