Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
None (for the moment!)
Names
Scientific name
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Myriophyllum brasiliense
Myriophyllum proserpinacoides
Common name
Parrot's Feather
Parrot feather watermilfoil
Origin
Origin: South America and Central America
Ideal fertilization
/
Group
Haloragaceae
Kind
Stem
Parameters
T°: 18 to 25°C or 64 to 77°F
pH: 5.5 to 7.5
Hardness: 5 to 20°dGH
Difficulty
Average
Lighting
Strong
Size
50cm/20" (aquarium) to 1.5m/5 feet (pond)
Plantation
Middle or background
Growth
Fast
Presentation
Presentation
Who is the Parrot's feather?
Very pretty plant with fine leaves (called whorls) but difficult to maintain in aquarium. With a good lighting, the stems arriving at the surface can emerge and continue their growth out of the water: perfect for open aquariums!
In basin, it is the opposite: it is a plant easy to cultivate. It is interesting because it strongly oxygenates the water and avoids the proliferation of algae (purifying property). The fish also appreciate it for the shade and the refuge it offers.
Planting and maintenance
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Parrot's feather?
In aquarium, this plant has big needs to survive: nutritive ground, iron contributions, a lot of light (it becomes then red) and CO2 diffusion. These imperative requirements make it a plant classified as difficult. For a beautiful effect, lay out this plant in group, from 5 to 6 feet every 20 cm (8"). Still leave enough space between the stems so that the light can reach the base of each foot.
In pond, it is rather the opposite, you will have to prune it regularly to avoid it becoming invasive. Plant it in the spring, at a depth of 40 cm (16") to 1 meter (3.3 feet). The use of a basket is recommended to prevent the plant from dispersing throughout the pond. A simple potting soil for aquatic plants will be sufficient. The roots fear the cold and the water temperature should not drop below 10°C or 50°F). Therefore you will have to protect them in winter (unless they are deep enough, in which case you can leave the plant in the pond). Please note that although the leaves may protrude from the water, the roots must remain constantly submerged.
Farming
Farming
How to farm the Parrot's feather?
Quite easy by cuttings. Cut a good part of the mother plant (at least 20 cm - 8") and transplant it in a part of the aquarium under favourable conditions. This cutting will give a new plant.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
This plant is perfect to be used as a refuge for fry of various species!
Attention because in nature this plant is invasive and destroys ecosystems (it can reach up to 2 meters – 6.6 feet!). It should thus never be planted in nature.
Yours photos!
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