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Description
Myriophyllum Tenellum, also known as Water Milfoil, is an aquatic plant species that belongs to the Haloragaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. It is a popular plant in the aquarium trade due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. The plant is also known for its ability to remove excess nutrients from the water, making it a valuable addition to natural and artificial aquatic environments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Haloragaceae |
| Genus | Myriophyllum |
Appearance
Myriophyllum Tenellum has thin, feathery leaves that are arranged in whorls around the stem. The leaves are typically green or red in color, with the red variety being more commonly found in the aquarium trade. The plant can grow up to 10 inches tall and has a spread of 6-8 inches. It is a fast-growing plant that is capable of forming dense mats if left unchecked.
Care Guide
Myriophyllum Tenellum is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced aquatic gardeners. Here are some tips for keeping your Water Milfoil healthy and thriving:- Water: Myriophyllum Tenellum prefers clean, clear water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It can tolerate a wide range of water hardness levels but does best in soft to moderately hard water.- Fertilization: The plant will benefit from regular fertilization with a high-quality aquarium plant fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to algae growth.- Soil: Myriophyllum Tenellum can be planted in a variety of substrates, including gravel, sand, and aquatic plant soil. Be sure to choose a substrate that is rich in nutrients and provides good drainage.- Sunlight: The plant requires moderate to high levels of light to thrive. Be sure to provide it with at least 8-10 hours of light per day, either through natural sunlight or artificial lighting.- Hardiness Zones: Myriophyllum Tenellum is hardy in zones 5-11 and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
Common Pests & Diseases
Myriophyllum Tenellum is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to algae growth if over-fertilized or if the water conditions are not optimal. To prevent algae growth, be sure to provide the plant with adequate light and avoid over-fertilization.
Habitat
Myriophyllum Tenellum is native to North America and can be found in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers throughout the continent. It is a popular plant in the aquarium trade and is also used in natural and artificial aquatic environments to help maintain water quality.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Myriophyllum Tenellum be grown in a fish tank?
A: Yes, Myriophyllum Tenellum is a popular plant in the aquarium trade due to its attractive foliage and ease of care.
Q: How fast does Myriophyllum Tenellum grow?
A: Myriophyllum Tenellum is a fast-growing plant that can form dense mats if left unchecked.
Q: What kind of water does Myriophyllum Tenellum prefer?
A: Myriophyllum Tenellum prefers clean, clear water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Myriophyllum Tenellum?
A: Myriophyllum Tenellum is hardy in zones 5-11 and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
Related Plants
– Myriophyllum Aquaticum- Myriophyllum Hippuroides- Myriophyllum Pinnatum- Myriophyllum Scabratum- Myriophyllum Spicatum
References
– “Myriophyllum Tenellum.” Aquatic Plant Central, aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=87.- “Water Milfoil.” The Pond Guy, The Pond Guy, www.thepondguy.com/product/water-milfoil/learning-center-water-gardening-algae-control-faqs.
