Myriophyllum tuberculatum is one of the classics in the hobby. It has been available in the trade for a long time, nevertheless its availability is scarce. In person, it is easy to identify M. tuberculatum from other red varieties of Myriophyllum, such as M. sp. “Roraima”. The main characteristic is that its stem and leaves are relatively more rigid

This Myriophyllum plant is a little bit harder to cultivate then other types as it requires good fertilization. In particular, old leaves will be easily colonized with algae if phosphate levels are low and growth will be stunned, dark and small if micronutrients are lacking. This also makes this plant an excellent indicator for micronutrient levels. Although it prefers intense light it can also survive in medium light levels.

As most stem plants it will give side-shoots. A relatively low number of side-shoots will develop once the apical meristem (main growing tip) is cut. Roots will also be visible in older stems. The width of one stem is about 3 to 5cm.

This plant is a true red plant. It maintains its red-coppery color even with lower light levels and a good nitrogen supply.

A moderate growth rate makes this plant suitable for the midground in most scapes. In nano tanks this plant can also be used as background. Planting should not be too dense but the fine leaved texture will provide a good sense of fullness.

Photo 1: Submersed M tuberculatum. Source : Mihai Zamfir (Allwissend), 2017. All rights reserved. Used with permission.