Daftar Isi Show
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genus | Myriophyllum |
| Species | Myriophyllum pinnatum |
| Family | Haloragaceae |
| Origin | North America (eastern region) |
| Common Name | Cut-leaved water milfoil |
| Light Requirement | Medium–high (±70–140 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ / PAR) |
| Optimal Temperature | 20–25 °C |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Placement | Midground – Background |
| Plant Height | 20–60 cm |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Water Hardness | GH 4–12 dGH; KH 2–8 dKH |
| CO₂ Requirement | Medium |
| Propagation Method | Stem cuttings |
Additional Information
Myriophyllum pinnatum is a stem plant from the Haloragaceae family originating from the eastern region of North America. In its natural habitat, it grows in shallow waters such as ponds, lakes, swamps, and muddy shoreline areas, in both freshwater and slightly brackish conditions.
Morphologically, this plant has slender stems with colors ranging from green to reddish depending on light intensity. Its leaves are very fine and pinnate (comb-like), densely arranged along the stem. One of its distinctive features is the combination of leaf arrangements that can appear both whorled and alternate, with short internodal spacing that creates a dense and bushy appearance.
In aquascaping, Myriophyllum pinnatum is commonly used as a background or midground plant to create a fine-textured effect and visual volume. Its high leaf density makes it effective for filling space while providing contrast to broad-leaf plants.
Requirements and Care
Growth Characteristics
This plant grows vertically with a fast growth rate, especially under sufficient light and nutrient conditions. Internodes tend to remain short under high lighting, resulting in a more compact and dense appearance. Conversely, under low light, the internodal distance increases and the plant structure becomes more sparse.
It responds well to trimming; the cut tops can be replanted to increase colony density.
Lighting
The lighting requirement for Myriophyllum pinnatum ranges from medium to high. At around 70 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, the plant can grow stably, but optimal form is typically achieved within 90–140 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹.
Adequate lighting promotes denser growth, more intense stem coloration, and more compact leaves. Insufficient light may cause etiolation, resulting in elongated stems and a less dense appearance.
CO₂ and Carbon
This plant has a medium CO₂ requirement. Technically, it can survive without CO₂ injection in low-tech systems, but growth will be slower and structural quality less optimal.
In high-tech systems with stable CO₂ supply, growth becomes significantly faster, foliage denser, and overall plant health improves.
Nutrients
As a fast-growing stem plant, Myriophyllum pinnatum has relatively high nutrient demands. It primarily absorbs nutrients from the water column, so the availability of macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium must be kept stable.
Micronutrients such as iron also play an important role in maintaining leaf color and health. Nutrient imbalance may lead to unstable growth or a decline in visual quality.
Water Parameters
This plant is quite adaptable to various water conditions as long as parameters remain stable. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5, with an optimal temperature of 20–25 °C.
Moderate water hardness (GH 4–12 dGH and KH 2–8 dKH) generally yields the best results. Extreme parameter fluctuations should be avoided, as they may affect growth stability.
Substrate
Although it can absorb nutrients from the water column, using a nutrient-rich substrate provides additional benefits, especially for stabilizing the plant after initial planting.
A good substrate structure also helps roots develop more strongly, preventing the plant from being easily uprooted during trimming or strong water flow.
Propagation
Propagation is done through stem cuttings. Healthy top sections are cut and replanted into the substrate. This method is highly effective due to the plant’s rapid regeneration ability.
In aquascaping practice, this technique is also used to quickly increase plant density.
Conclusion
Myriophyllum pinnatum is a fast-growing aquascape plant with fine-textured leaves that create a soft yet dense visual effect. It is best utilized as a midground to background plant in layouts requiring detailed texture and volume.
It is most suitable for high-tech systems with medium to high lighting and stable CO₂ supply, although it can still adapt to simpler conditions with more limited performance. Both aesthetically and functionally, this plant is an excellent choice for aquascapers seeking a combination of rapid growth and controlled lush appearance.
