Myriophyllum Tuberculatum
Myriophyllum tuberculatum
Also known as Red Foxtail, Tuberculatum Milfoil
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Saxifragales›Haloragaceae
📍 South and Southeast Asia
Red Foxtail is one of the deepest red aquatic plants available. It produces whorls of fine, needle-like leaves that range from orange-red to blood-red under intense light. The feathery texture combined with vivid colouration makes it a showpiece background plant in high-tech scapes. Demanding of light, CO2, and micronutrients.
Community Photos
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by @isabellekaulback
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Myriophyllum Tuberculatum.
Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant tissue and help maintain tank cleanliness
Small, non-destructive shrimp that complement planted tanks and add visual interest
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage delicate plant structures
Algae-eating fish that graze on plant surfaces without causing damage
Complementary stem plant with similar care requirements; creates layered background effect
Foreground plant that pairs well in Nature-style layouts; requires similar nutrient-rich substrate
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, loss of red pigmentation despite adequate lighting
Increase fertilizer dosing frequency to 3-4 times weekly; verify CO2 levels are 20-30 ppm; test water parameters and adjust macronutrient ratios; consider all-in-one fertilizers designed for planted tanks
Algae Overgrowth
Green or brown algae coating plant leaves, reduced light penetration, plant growth slowdown
Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; increase water change frequency to 50% weekly; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; ensure CO2 and nutrient balance to outcompete algae
Melting
Leaves becoming transparent, mushy stems, rapid tissue breakdown after planting
Ensure stable water parameters (pH 5.5-7.0, temperature 22-28°C); increase CO2 gradually over 1-2 weeks; boost fertilization; perform 25% water changes twice weekly until recovery
Slow Growth
Minimal new leaf development, weak stems, plant appearing stalled despite good conditions
Verify lighting is truly high (8-10 hours daily with 2+ watts per liter); confirm CO2 injection is active; increase fertilizer dosing; check that substrate is nutrient-rich; ensure water temperature is 24-28°C
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Required
- light
- High
- placement
- Background
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.0
- hardness
- 1–8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.

