Myriophyllum propinquum (Common Water Milfoil)

Information

The Natural Filter: This is one of our most effective native plants for maintaining water quality.   Because it grows quickly, it’s brilliant at out-competing algae for excess nutrients.   It provides an essential habitat for beneficial microbes and is a top-tier choice for fish spawning, giving fry plenty of places to hide in its dense, soft "feathers."

Adaptability: Unlike many exotics, this milfoil is very winter-tolerant and handles a range of depths.   In deeper water, it will stretch its stems until they reach the surface to create a floating mat. If the pond level drops, it simply transitions into a prostrate herb, surviving in the damp soil.

• Format: Sent as a generous 10cm clump.   I drain these well before bagging to ensure they travel safely without a mess, so they will arrive damp rather than submerged.

• On Arrival: Get your Milfoil back into water as soon as it arrives.   You can simply weight the clump down or tuck it into your pond/aquarium substrate.

• Light: Thrives in full sun to part shade. Good light helps maintain that dense, lush growth.

• Water Depth: Versatile. Plant it anywhere from the damp margin down to 1 metre deep.

Growing Guide: Bog & Aquatic Plants

General Care

Plants in this category are moisture lovers, requiring consistently damp soil or standing water to thrive.

• Watering: For bog plants (like many marginals and carnivorous types), the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.   Keep them in sealed pots or containers without drainage holes, or place them where the water table is naturally high.

• Aquatic Plants: Water lilies and submerged plants generally require still, non-turbulent water and a suitable planting basket to keep them anchored.

• Containers: For many marginals, placing the pots on a saucer of water is a good way to maintain hydration.

• Fertilising: Be cautious with fertilisers, especially with carnivorous plants which get nutrients differently.   Always check individual product descriptions for specific feeding needs.
  

• Aquatic Plants: Water lilies and oxygenating plants generally require still, non-turbulent water.  Use a suitable planting basket to keep them anchored, or weight them down directly into the substrate.

If you have any specific questions about plant placement or water conditions, just give us a shout!