Myrio Red Foxtail [Myriophyllum heterophyllum]
Myriophyllum heterophyllum 'Myrio Red' — Myrio Red Fine, feathery red foliage with soft, flowing texture — a natural water-cleaning workhorse Myrio Red is a stunning stem plant prized for its fine, feathery foliage in warm reddish tones — a soft, flowing texture unlike the broad-leaved reds in most collections. Commonly used as a midground or background plant, it adds depth, movement, and natural contrast to an aquascape, with delicate red plumes that soften a layout the way ferny foliage does in a garden. Its moderate, manageable growth rate makes it suitable for both low-tech and high-tech planted tanks, and beyond its looks, it's a genuine workhorse: it actively absorbs excess nutrients and offers natural shelter for shrimp and fry. One of the best red stem plants for a natural, flowing aquascape. AQUASCAPING TIP: Moderate-to-high light keeps growth compact and brings out the richest red — in lower light it grows looser and greener. Plant it in a nutrient-rich substrate for strong, upright growth, and trim the tops regularly to control height and replant the cuttings for a denser, bushier stand. CO2 isn't required, but it noticeably speeds growth and deepens color if you run it. AT A GLANCE ☀️ Light Moderate to high 🌡️ Temperature 68–82°F, pH 6.0–7.5 📍 Placement Midground or background 💨 CO2 Not required (improves growth/color) 📈 Growth rate Moderate 🎨 Color Feathery red CARE GUIDE Difficulty Easy to moderate Fertilizer Nutrient-rich substrate + liquid fert. Substrate Nutrient-rich (for upright, healthy growth) Propagation Trim stem cuttings and replant Safe for Community and shrimp tanks Ships as Bundle of stems CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED (Q) Will it arrive red, and how do I get the best color? = Expect it to arrive a bit greener than the vivid red sample photos — this is completely normal. Newly shipped plants acclimate first and color up afterward, with red coloration depending on lighting, nutrients, and your specific tank conditions. To bring out the richest red, provide moderate-to-high light and a nutrient-rich substrate; supplemental CO2 will further improve both growth speed and color intensity, though it isn't required. Give it a little time after planting, and the new growth under your lighting will show the deeper red this plant is known for. (Q) It's shedding some leaves in the first week — is that normal? = Yes, completely. Some leaf shedding during the first week after planting is a normal part of the adjustment period for this plant, as it acclimates to your specific water and lighting conditions. Don't be alarmed and don't discard it. Keep it planted, maintain stable conditions (68–82°F, pH 6.0–7.5), and it will settle in and resume healthy growth. This initial adjustment is standard for live aquatic plants generally, not a sign of a problem with your specimen. (Q) How do I plant it, and does it actually help my tank? = Rinse the plant gently with clean aquarium water, then separate the stems if bundled. Plant individual stems into a nutrient-rich substrate, spacing them slightly apart, in your midground or background area. Trim and replant the cuttings as needed to build fullness and control height. Beyond the visual appeal, it genuinely helps your tank: it absorbs excess nutrients from the water, which helps stabilize water quality and compete against algae, and its soft, dense foliage offers welcome hiding space for shrimp and fry. It's suitable for community tanks, shrimp tanks, and both low-tech and high-tech setups. WHAT'S INCLUDED 1 bundle of Myrio Red (Myriophyllum heterophyllum) stems, ready to plant on arrival. It may arrive greener than the sample photos and color up under your lighting over time; some leaf shedding in the first week is normal (see the FAQ). Rinse gently and separate stems before planting. Live plants naturally vary in size, density, and coloration — images are for reference only. Live arrival and health guarantees are subject to store policy. 📦 Ships within 10–15 business days.