Myriophyllum mattogrossense is a fine-leaf stem plant popular in planted aquariums. It is known for its very soft, feathery foliage and bright green color, which creates a light, airy texture in aquascapes. The plant is widely used in Dutch-style and nature aquariums as a background or midground bush.

The “Tici” label usually refers to aquarium-grown cultivated stock from aquatic plant farms.

Basic Information

• Scientific name: Myriophyllum mattogrossense

• Common names: Green Myrio, Mato Grosso Milfoil

• Plant type: Stem plant

• Family: Haloragaceae

• Origin: South America (Brazil – Mato Grosso region)

• Placement: Midground to background

Appearance

• Leaf type: Extremely fine, feather-like leaves

• Leaf color: Bright light green

• Stem: Thin, flexible stems

• Height: 20–50 cm depending on conditions

The plant forms soft, bushy groups that resemble green underwater feathers.

Growth Requirements

Lighting

• Medium to high light preferred

Lighting effects:

• Medium light → normal vertical growth

• High light → denser and bushier foliage

Low light can make the plant stretch and become sparse.

CO₂

• Recommended but not strictly required

CO₂ improves:

• growth speed

• leaf density

• overall health

Ideal level: 20–30 ppm.

Nutrients

This plant grows best with regular fertilization.

Important nutrients:

• Nitrate (NO₃)

• Phosphate (PO₄)

• Potassium (K)

• Iron and micronutrients

It absorbs nutrients mainly from the water column.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28 °C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

The species is quite adaptable but prefers stable conditions.

Growth Rate

• Fast-growing plant

Under good conditions it may grow 4–7 cm per week.
Frequent trimming is needed to keep it compact.

Propagation

Propagation is straightforward.

Steps:

1. Trim the top part of the stem.

2. Remove lower leaves.

3. Replant the cutting into the substrate.

The base plant will produce side shoots, making the group thicker.

Aquascaping Uses

Aquascapers use this plant for:

• Soft green background bushes

• Texture contrast with broad-leaf plants

• Dutch aquascape plant streets

• Nature-style aquariums

It pairs well with plants like:

• Rotala rotundifolia

• Hemianthus micranthemoides

• Micranthemum tweediei

Common Problems

1. Sparse foliage

• Usually caused by low lighting.

2. Yellowing tips

• Often due to nutrient deficiency.

3. Algae buildup

• Fine leaves can trap algae if water circulation is poor.

Why Aquascapers Like It

• Beautiful feather-like texture

• Fast growth helps absorb excess nutrients

• Easy to propagate

• Excellent for creating soft background vegetation

✅ Aquascaping tip:
Plant 8–12 stems in a cluster and trim frequently. Over time this forms a dense green “feather bush”, which adds depth and movement to the aquascape.