Whorled water-milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Whorled water-milfoil, Whorl-leaf watermilfoil, Comb water-milfoil
Family
Haloragaceae (water milfoil family)
Origin
Much of North America, North Africa and Eurasia (including Britain)
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
250 cm
Temperature
4–22°C
pH
7–8.5
Hardness
6–20 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful

Care

Whorled water-milfoil grows in lowland ponds, lakes, marshes, ditches and slow streams, preferring still water over sandy or loamy, alkaline bottoms. Branched stems often reach 50–250 cm, with feathery leaves in whorls of four or five. 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 recorded as invasive in some areas. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriophyllumverticillatum); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myriophyllum); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

In autumn it forms overwintering buds (turions) that sink, lie dormant and sprout in spring; these and stem fragments can be planted. Cuttings 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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