Matogrosso milfoil

Description

Myriophyllum mattogrossense originates from the tropical lowlands of South America. This species was previously misidentified as M. tuberculatum, which was corrected by A.E. Orchard in 1994. True M. mattogrossense is an all-green plant that was first imported from Ecuador in 1990. It requires medium light (at least 0.5 watts per litre) and can thrive in medium-lit tanks without CO2 injection. Under these conditions, it develops healthy, large green leaf whorls. With stronger light and continuous CO2 fertilization, it grows faster and forms larger leaves. M. mattogrossense is not picky about nutrients, requiring only minimal NO3 and PO4 levels. At higher nitrate (10 mg/l) and phosphate (1-2 mg/l) levels, stems grow larger and more robust. If shoot tips turn white, the plant needs iron and micronutrients. Regular pruning is necessary due to its strong growth. Propagation is easy using lateral shoots as cuttings.