Curly water milfoil (Myriophyllum crispatum): an oxygenating, decorative pond plant
A striking amphibious plant that “creeps, then shoots up”
Curly water milfoil thrives in ponds and pools: its stems creep along the bottom, take root, then shoot up to the surface, forming highly decorative “miniature fir trees.” Underwater, its fine, feathery foliage oxygenates and purifies the water. Above the surface, its upright stems add structure and volume. Ideal for enriching the ecosystem and providing safe shelter for microfauna, as water lice love to hide among them.
Why choose curly water milfoil?
- Oxygenating and purifying: absorbs nitrates and phosphates, and competes with algae through continuous growth.
- Striking shape: a highly decorative “forest” of upright stems, similar to mare’s-tail but with a different texture and color.
- A habitat for microfauna and fry (creeping stems and dense rootlets), which find shelter and food among them.
- Hardy: the parts above water die back in winter. Vigorous regrowth in spring.
- Easy to maintain: simple to prune and propagate from cuttings; it is not very invasive.
- Low-tech friendly in a large aquarium (but much better suited to a pond).
Planting and growing tips
- Ponds and pools: plant in a shallow area. Let the stems creep along the bottom, then emerge.
- Light: medium to high (more intense light encourages compact growth and vigor).
- Water: clear, with a moderate current; suitable for natural tanks and outdoor tub aquariums.
- Pruning: cut back stems that grow too long. Replant the cuttings in the same direction they were growing.
- Pairing: looks beautiful with mare’s-tail (Hippuris vulgaris) for a contrast in color and texture, as their shapes are similar.
- Winter: outdoors, submerged stems go dormant. The base regrows even more vigorously in spring.
- Soil: it benefits from a substrate, whether simple sand or clay, where it can take root.
Possible uses for curly water milfoil
- Natural pond / pool: decorative planting, oxygenation, water purification, and protective underwater cover.
- Outdoor tub aquarium: rapid seasonal growth and attractive stems above the water.
- Large low-tech aquarium: a background planting (ideal in an open-top tank).
FAQ - Curly water milfoil
Is it effective against algae?
Yes: it grows quickly and consumes nutrients, putting significant pressure on algae.
Does it need CO2?
No, it is completely unnecessary. The plant grows very well without it, especially in a sunny pond.
How do you propagate it?
Simply take a cutting: cut off a section of stem and replant it. The base will grow new stems, and the cutting will develop its own roots.
Could it take over the pond?
It can spread without taking over; control it with one or two prunings a year, and thin it out if necessary.
Will it survive the winter?
Yes. The parts above water die back, but the submerged stems and growing points overwinter and then regrow in spring.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Myriophyllum crispatum
- Plant type: amphibious stem plant
- Light: full sun to partial shade; sunlight makes it redder and more compact
- Temperature: -15 to +30°C. Can stay in an outdoor pond year-round, including winter.
- Current: prefers still water.
- Size: grows up to 20 cm above the water; can be planted at depths of up to 20 cm
- Packaging: 1 plant with roots (approximate weight: 20 g).
- Guarantee: supplied without rock wool or any kind of artificial substrate. Plants are not collected from the wild.
- Recommendation: although it is native to Europe, as a precaution, please never release this plant into the wild. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be protected.
