Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Fine, feathery foliage in lime to yellow-green — looks like a softer, brighter take on the standard parrot's feather. Adds movement and texture as a backdrop to bolder stem plants. Pearls visibly under CO₂. Trim weekly to encourage side shoots and a fuller bush form.
Mato Grosso Milfoil (Myriophyllum mattogrossense) is a stem aquatic plant for the background of a planted tank. It reaches 20–50 cm under good conditions and grows at a fast rate. Light: medium to high. CO₂: recommended. Target 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–15 dGH. Substrate: Tolerant — aquasoil or inert with root tabs. Propagate via top cuttings.
Care at a glance
Fine, feathery foliage in lime to yellow-green — looks like a softer, brighter take on the standard parrot's feather. Adds movement and texture as a backdrop to bolder stem plants. Pearls visibly under CO₂. Trim weekly to encourage side shoots and a fuller bush form.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether mato grosso milfoil fits in your tank.
Haloragaceae
Stem
Background
Tolerant — aquasoil or inert with root tabs
Top cuttings
Brazil
Brazil
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: recommended. Light requirement: medium to high. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a fast rate.
Mato Grosso Milfoil (Myriophyllum mattogrossense) needs medium to high light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background. Substrate: Tolerant — aquasoil or inert with root tabs It typically reaches 20–50 cm.
Propagation method: Top cuttings. Mato Grosso Milfoil is a stem plant.
Target 20–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–15 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to medium.
Difficulty: 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
