Western watermilfoil (Myriophyllum hippuroides) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Western watermilfoil, Green milfoil, Water milfoil
Family
Haloragaceae (water milfoil family)
Origin
West coast of North America
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
100 cm
Temperature
8–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful

Care

Western watermilfoil grows in ponds and streams on the west coast of North America. Stems are typically more than 1 m long with whorls of fleshy, finely divided leaves, and leafy flower spikes up to 12 cm rise 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. It is sold as green milfoil for aquariums, where it makes a soft background group. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriophyllumhippuroides); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriophyllum); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Take stem cuttings and replant them; broken pieces root readily.

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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