Myriophyllum guyana
Myriophyllum guyana (Guyana Milfoil)
An particularly unique species of Myriophyllum, M. Guyana is perhaps the smallest plant in the genus and branches readily for a naturally attractive bushy growth habit making it absolutely perfect for nano-aquariums or even foreground placement in larger tanks. The leaves are a refreshing shade of light green and are generally smaller than similar plants such as Myriophyllum propinquum or Myriophyllum mattogrossense. It thrives in low-tech plant aquariums without CO2 injection or even a lot of light but does better with a good amount of lighting.
This beautiful and somewhat unusual species is perfect for aquarists of all skill levels and looks great as a part of any aquascape. It's quite tolerant of cool water temperatures and can be used in cold water aquariums as well.
This plant is in many ways quite similar to Hottonia palustris and the two can often substitute for each other in an aquascape!
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Type: Stem
Size: Generally less than 20cm. Pruning will keep the plants much shorter and bushier.
Position and Usage: Foreground to midground placement. Can be used as a background plant in nano-aquariums.
Growth rate: Moderate to Fast
Lighting: 2/5 – 5/5
Water Conditions: 18 - 28°C (65 - 83°F)
CO2: Not required but will result in faster, denser growth.
Propagation: Cuttings
Special Requirements: Very few specific requirements. Normal aquarium substrate with root tabs is suffficient and a regular fertilization regime should be enough. This plant does not need CO2 but like all aquarium plants, will benefit from CO2 fertilization all the same.
INVASIVE SPECIES POTENTIAL: Though not current listed as an invasive exotic in either Canada or the United States, other species of Myriophyllum (that we do not sell) such as M. spicatum (Eurasian Milfoil) have become major invasive pests in waterways throughout the continent. Because of it's fast growth rate and wide tolerance to a variety of water conditions, this species could potentially become a threat to native habitats in North America. It is tolerant of lower temperatures than Myriophyllum mattogrossense or Myriophyllym propinquum and can therefore pose a threat across the entire continent - including but not limited to the Great Lakes.
Please be mindful that we need to protect the biodiversity of our precious native waterways and NEVER intentionally release this plant into the wild! Extra cuttings can often be traded for store credit at your local fish store. They can be properly disposed of by placing the cuttings in a plastic bag and sealing it before tossing them in the trash. If you want to go one step further to protect our waterways, freeze, boil or soak the cuttings in bleach before disposing.
Description
Myriophyllum guyana is a somewhat newcomer to the planted aquarium hobby and is thus quite rare. It is not a plant that you can easily find elsewhere. It is unique among the "Milfoils" by being significantly smaller (rarely exceeding 6" or 15 cm without pruning) and much bushier - making it a perfect plant for smaller aquariums or a beautiful focal point in the midground of larger aquariums.
Unlike some stem plants, M. guyana will spontaneously produce plentifil side shoots which results in that coveted compact, bushy appearance that planted aquarium enthusiasts love. It's small feathery leaves and side branches produce a beautiful voluminous growth habit that is perfect for filling out more sparse areas of any aquascape.
Because of it's diminuative, dense and delicate foliage - it is provides excellent shelter for fry or baby shrimp which not only find refuge but also feed off the numerous micro-organisms that tend to develop in that kind of habitat. For that reason, it is an absolutely fantastic plant for breeders.
Even though it's fairly rare, Myriophyllum guyana is considered one off the easiest Myriophyllum species to cultivate, requiring little care, less pruning and will adapt and thrive in a huge range of water conditions. While it does prefer softer, more acidic water, it is also highly adaptable and will probably grow well in your planted aquarium if you give it the chance. It will tolerate much cooler water than Myriophyllum mattogrossense and can thus be used in cold water aquariums.
INVASIVE SPECIES WARNING: Like all aquatic plants that are not native to the United States and Canada, this species can become an invasive threat to our natural waterways. Since this plant is tolerant of cooler water temperatures, it can be a threat anywhere so please NEVER introduce this or any aquatic plant into a natural body of water, including backyard ponds that are connected to larger waterways. You can trade extra cuttings with your local fish store for credit or put them securely in a plastic bag into the trash. Do not flush it down the toilet.
