Filigree Milfoil

Filigree Milfoil (Myriophyllum simulans) is a beautiful aquatic stem plant with soft, delicate foliage that creates a graceful, natural look in planted aquariums and water bowls. Its fine, feathery leaves provide excellent texture and movement, making it a popular choice for the background of an aquarium.

This fast-growing aquatic plant can reach around 20–60cm when grown well, making it particularly useful for adding height and depth to larger aquariums. It can also be trimmed to maintain a shorter, more compact appearance.

Filigree Milfoil is relatively undemanding and can tolerate lower light conditions, although it will produce stronger, fuller growth when provided with medium to high light.

For the best results when growing Filigree Milfoil submerged, plant the roots into a nutrient-rich aquarium soil substrate. We recommend Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 2kg to provide a suitable growing medium for healthy aquatic plant growth.

Growing Filigree Milfoil

Botanical Name: Myriophyllum simulans
Common Name: Filigree Milfoil
Plant Type: Aquatic stem plant
Height: Approximately 20–60cm
Growth Habit: Upright, soft and feathery stem growth
Light: Low light tolerant; medium to high light recommended for best growth
CO2: Not essential
Growing Position: Submerged or above water
Suitable For: Aquariums, planted tanks and water bowls

How to Plant

Filigree Milfoil is supplied in bunches with roots. Plant the stems into a nutrient-rich aquarium soil substrate, keeping the foliage above the substrate.

Planting several stems together will create a fuller background display. Allow enough space between bunches for light to reach the foliage and for the plant to develop.

Trim and Replant for Fuller Growth

Regular trimming is a great way to encourage a thicker stand of Filigree Milfoil. As the plant grows taller, trim the stems back to your preferred height.

The healthy cuttings can be replanted directly into the aquarium soil, allowing you to create additional stems and gradually build a much denser background planting.

This makes Filigree Milfoil an excellent choice if you want to develop a lush, natural-looking planted aquarium over time.

Lighting

Filigree Milfoil is adaptable and can grow under low light, making it suitable for a range of aquarium setups.

For the best growth, however, provide medium to high aquarium lighting. Better light will encourage stronger, fuller growth and help the delicate foliage develop well.

Aquarium Soil Required

When growing Filigree Milfoil submerged, plant it into a nutrient-rich aquarium soil substrate. We recommend:

Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum 2kg – a planted-aquarium substrate that provides a suitable growing medium for aquatic plants.

Why Grow Filigree Milfoil?

• Popular background aquarium plant

• Soft, delicate and feathery foliage

• Adds height and texture to planted aquariums

• Can reach approximately 20–60cm

• Tolerates low light

• Produces best growth under medium to high light

• Trim and replant cuttings to create thicker growth

• Easy way to build a dense background over time

• Suitable for aquariums and water bowls

• A beautiful natural-looking aquatic plant

Filigree Milfoil is a lovely choice when you want to add height, texture and soft movement to a planted aquarium. Give it good light, regular trimming and a nutrient-rich aquarium soil, and you can gradually create a lush, dense background of fine, feathery foliage.