Myriophyllum verticillatum, Commonly known as aquatic millefeuille, minor filigree o plumber, is an aquatic plant highly valued in pond landscaping, natural aquariums, and humid spaces. Its beauty, oxygenating capacity, and important ecological role make it a key player in aquatic ecosystems and water garden landscaping.
Botanical description and origin of Myriophyllum verticillatum
Myriophyllum verticillatum belongs to the Haloragaceae family, which includes more than 40 species of aquatic plants distributed across almost all continents. This species is characterized by its wide geographical distribution and its ability to adapt to both temperate and cold climates, developing preferably in environments of stagnant, swampy, or slow-flowing fresh water and occasionally in somewhat brackish waters.
- Scientific name: Myriophyllum verticillatum
- Common names: Millefeuille, plumer, minor filigree, gold feather, aquatic foxtail, aquatic yarrow.
- Family: haloragaceae
- Origin: Cosmopolitan, with a notable presence in the northern hemisphere and temperate zones.
Name Myriophyllum comes from greek myri, "too much to tell", and Phyl, "leaf", in clear allusion to the extraordinary number of segments that its divided leaves present.
Main morphological characteristics
Myriophyllum verticillatum it's a plant aquatic perennial and highly adaptable, appreciated in both aquariums and ponds and wetlands for its unique morphological characteristics:
- Height and size: Its stems can reach from 50 cm to 3 meters long, growing completely submerged and, rarely, emerging.
- Stems: Long, thin, branchy and fragile, bright green in color.
- Sheets: Arranged in whorls (concentric circles around the stem), typically five to six leaves per whorl. Each leaf is segmented into 20 to 30 fine filaments, giving it a characteristic feathery, light appearance.
- Flowers: They have floating spikes with small, generally unisexual flowers. female flowers can be found underwater, while male appear at the top. They are usually greenish-yellow color and can be seen in late spring and during the summer.
- Roots and survival structures: It develops very fine adventitious roots, which contribute to anchoring it in the substrate and efficient nutrient absorption. It also forms winter shoots or buds to survive adverse conditions.
Ecological importance and uses
La Myriophyllum verticillatum stands out for its oxygenating properties, since during photosynthesis it releases large amounts of oxygen into the water, benefiting the habitat of fish and other aquatic organisms. Therefore, it is considered essential for the balance of ponds and aquariums:
- Promotes oxygenation and water clarity, which helps control algae growth and keeps the water clean.
- It serves as a shelter and egg-laying place for numerous fish and small invertebrates.
- Landscape and decorative element top of the line in natural ponds and aquariums.
- Natural biological filter: contributes to the reduction of contaminants and excess nutrients.
- Prevents erosion from the edges of ponds and bodies of water thanks to its density and fixing capacity.
- Helps minimize algae growth, as it competes for nutrients and reduces their availability.
Due to its rapid and sometimes invasive growth, thorough control is important to prevent it from becoming a pest in small or artificial ecosystems.
Optimal growing conditions
- Temperature: Tolerant to a wide range, It tolerates well from temperate to cold climatesIt withstands low temperatures thanks to the formation of protective buds during the winter, but its optimal temperature range is usually between 21 and 25°C.
- Light: Requires bright light, but it can adapt to semi-shaded exposures. Excessive shade causes elongated and less vigorous growth.
- pH: Prefers values ​​between 7,0 and 8,5.
- Water hardness: Adapts to soft and hard waters, with preference for GH among 6 and 30It is especially sensitive to high calcium levels.
- Substratum: It can grow directly in water, but prefers soils rich in organic matter, with a good presence of peat, although it is not particularly demanding and survives in various types of sediments.
- Oxygenation and circulation: It tolerates still or gently flowing water. Avoid proximity to high-flow filter outlets or aerators to avoid damaging its delicate stems.
Essential care and maintenance
- Pruning: La regular pruning It's essential to control growth and prevent it from completely taking over the pond or aquarium. Use sharp scissors and cut off any protruding or damaged stems.
- Fertilization: You can benefit from a soluble fertilizer applied at low doses, always ensuring that it doesn't alter the water quality. In natural aquariums, the presence of fish is sufficient for their nutrition.
- Cleaning: Eliminates plant debris and controls algae growth in the environment.
- Prevention: It is sensitive to calcium compounds, herbivorous fish, and species that excessively disturb the substrate. Avoid planting near aggressive species or strong water flow.
- Water renewal: Keep the water clean and make periodic changes to maintain stable parameters.
La plantation It is usually done in groups, leaving enough space between each plant to allow for optimal development and avoid competition for resources.
reproduction and multiplication
Myriophyllum verticillatum has several reproductive strategies that ensure its efficient propagation:
- Cuttings: The most common and simplest method. Simply cut a healthy stem and plant it in the substrate; it roots quickly and produces new plants.
- Winter shoots or buds: It produces dormant buds that emerge in autumn or under adverse conditions. When these buds settle on the bottom, they germinate when conditions improve.
- Separation of clumps and stolons: In natural environments, the plant produces lateral branches that can be separated and replanted.
Esta self-dispersive capacity This causes it to expand rapidly under optimal conditions, so it is crucial to monitor its growth in controlled environments.
Pests, diseases and common problems
In general, aquatic millefeuille is characterized by its natural resistance to pests and diseases; it is rarely attacked by pathogens. However, some problems may arise:
- Herbivorous fish: Some fish may nibble on the leaves and damage their structure.
- High calcium content: High levels cause wilting and leaf drop.
- Algae attacks: If the water has excess nutrients, algae can cover the stems and limit photosynthesis.
- Strong currents: Sudden movement of water can fracture fragile stems.
The key to their health is to keep the water clean and balanced, avoiding excessive fertilizer use, and controlling the surrounding wildlife.
Landscape uses and ornamental value
As for its function ornamentalMyriophyllum verticillatum stands out for its leafy and delicate effect that visually enriches aquatic areas, and is often recommended:
- The bottom or middle area of ​​aquariums, forming dense groups that generate contrast.
- En ponds and lagoons, as a living filter and natural refuge.
- In artificial wetlands, to promote biodiversity and improve water quality.
In addition, its rapid growth and dense foliage help shade and protect fish fry and eggs, making it an essential resource in aquatic ecosystems.
Recommendations for cultivation in aquariums and ponds
- Location: Plant in the bottom and mid-ground areas. If you use gravel or fine sand, make sure the stems are securely supported to prevent them from floating.
- Compatibility: It is ideal in community aquariums as long as there are no herbivorous fish or fish that frequently turn over the bottom.
- Combination with other species: It looks aesthetically pleasing in conjunction with other fine-leaved plants and in contrast to wider-leaved species.
In large ponds, it is important to perform selective pruning to prevent the plant from overshadowing other species and to homogenize the plant environment.
Taxonomy, varieties and relevant synonyms
- Valid taxon: Myriophyllum verticillatum (Linnaeus)
- Frequent synonyms: Myriophyllum spicatum, Myriophyllum limosum, Myriophyllum siculum, Myriophyllum verticillatum var. cheneyi, var. intermediate, var. pectinatun, var. pinnatifidum.
- Names in other languages: In French, «Myriophylle verticillé».
Knowing these synonyms is important to avoid confusion with other species of the genus Myriophyllum, some of which may have slightly different care requirements. For more information on different aquatic plants, you can consult our article on what are aquatic plants.
Clearly Myriophyllum verticillatum It is one of the most valuable aquatic plants for the maintenance and health of aquatic ecosystems, as well as for aquascaping. By understanding its requirements and applying good cultivation and maintenance practices, it is possible to enjoy its aesthetic, functional, and ecological benefits in any pond or home aquarium.
