Peristolist red

Red perististolium, scientific name Myriophyllum tuberculatum. The plant is native to the tropics of Southeast Asia. It grows everywhere in shallow water in swampy areas of slow-flowing rivers.

Has become a popular aquarium plant since the 1970s. However, until 1994 it was erroneously referred to as Matogross Peristolifolia, until botanist A. E. Orchard established that the name belongs to a different species from South America, which appeared in Europe only in the 1990s.

Many aquarists refer to it in the old fashioned way as the Matogrossky Peristololium, but to distinguish between the species, they add the prefix “red”.

Perististolist red forms an upright stem with pinnate leaves. All parts of the plant are bright red or yellow. It grows quickly and in favorable conditions soon reaches the surface. Regular pruning required. It develops lateral shoots just as actively, so one bush grows into a dense cluster in a couple of months.

Considered difficult to maintain. Healthy growth requires very soft water, high levels of light, and nutrient-rich soil. It is recommended to use a special aquarium soil rich in essential trace elements. At the same time, it is not sensitive to temperature and can grow even in cool water. Lack of light and/or nutrients will inevitably lead to leaf fading.