Myriophyllum simulans

Myriophyllum simulans is a native Australian aquatic milfoil that has gained increasing popularity in the planted aquarium hobby as an attractive, fast-growing alternative to M. aquaticum and M. pinnatum. It produces vibrant bright-green, finely divided whorled leaves with a particularly full, cloud-like texture that creates a lush, feathery background mass. It is moderately easy to grow, tolerating a reasonable range of water parameters while performing best in well-fertilised tanks with adequate lighting. The bright, clean green colouration makes it an excellent contrast plant alongside red or orange stem species. In a mature planted aquarium it can grow very quickly and requires regular trimming to prevent it from dominating.

Light: Medium to high (35–50 PAR); vibrant green best maintained under good light. CO2: Beneficial at 15–25 mg/L; improves growth rate and leaf density. Fertilisation: Regular comprehensive fertilisation; moderate nutrient requirement. Placement: Background; very fast-growing, requires frequent trimming. Propagation: Cut 10–15 cm tips; roots rapidly and establishes very quickly.