How to grow Myriophyllum "golden"

Myriophyllum "golden" is a whitish variety of Myriophyllum matogrossense. While Myriophyllum matogrossense is a light green plant, the "golden" variety is a much more delicate plant and requires much better tank conditions to grow well. Better tank conditions mean having a stable nutrient supply (either through water column dosing of fertilizers or rich substrate or both), adequate carbon (CO2 injection or naturally generated through soil substrates) and a mature tank environment.

A mature tank environment is important because newer, unstable tanks have more algae triggers and Myriophyllum "Golden" is very susceptible to algae. When infected with algae, Myriophyllum "golden" will lose its bright white appearance, which is its main attraction. Being able to manage algae well is key to growing Myriophyllum "golden" well.

Myriophyllum "golden" is a pale green stem plant that grows rapidly in good growing conditions. In higher light levels it becomes very pale, almost white, with reddish tips. It provides a good color contrast to other plants in a tank. In lower light levels it will take on a more greenish coloration. As a fast growing stem plant that branches easily, it is best used as a background plant. Under good growing conditions it will grow rapidly and will require frequent pruning to keep it in good shape and prevent overcrowding.

Myriophyllum "golden" at the back right corner offers great color contrast.This tank is grown using APT 3 in the water column, and APT Feast as the substrate.

Key success factors:

Being able to maintain a clean, algae free tank environment.
Brighter lights results in whiter plants with reddish tips (100umols + of PAR).
Regular fertilization and adequate carbon (CO2) for best coloration.

Myriophyllum golden is easily shaped by cutting off individual strands that are too tall/long at the base. It offers good contrast against other green and red plants. Grown under APT Feast, and APT3 combination here.

Trimming and propagation

Myriophyllum 'golden' grows rapidly when growth conditions are favorable. The plant branches naturally and regularly. Side shoots can be cut off near the main stem and replanted in the substrate to form separate new plants. The bush should be sloped to the front, with plants at front cut shorter than plants at the back to create a slope.

Deteriorating older leaves on the plant are very susceptible to algae. After repeated pruning, the lower parts of the plant should be uprooted and discarded, and new tops replanted in their place. This plant requires frequent rejuvenation to keep the bush fresh and algae free. This is a high-maintenance plant because of the replanting required to keep it in good shape.

2hr Aquarist Myrio golden