Myriophyllum Aquaticum

Overview: Myriophyllum Aquaticum belongs to the Haloragaceae family and is native to North America. It is popularly known as Parrot’s Feather or Parrot’s Feather Water Mil Foil due to its typical appearance. It is a beautiful aquarium plant introduced to the United States in the Washington DC area around 1890. Myriophyllum Aquaticum is believed to become invasive in ponds and other calm water bodies in the region after introduction. Today, it is commonly sold for aquatic gardens and aquaria as it intensifies the overall look of the tank. Parrot feather is a long-lived (perennial) herbaceous plant that grows submerged or emergent in freshwater habitats. It is a flowering, vascular dicot plant, perfect for pond-style setups and aquariums. Due to its medium demand and exotic look, aquarists love to use it as a background plant. 

Appearance: The typical feather-like leaves give Myriophyllum Aquaticum the name Parrot Feather. The leaves are arranged around the stem in whorls of four to six. One distinctive trait that makes it different from others is the emergent stems and leaves. These emergent leaves can grow up to a foot above the water surface and look like small fir trees. Being a flowering plant, Myriophyllum Aquaticum may show pinkish-white flowers that extend 1/16 inches long. The plant can grow well in both submerged and emerged conditions. On average, the plant reaches a height of 4 to 16 inches. With moderate care, it shows the best growth. 

Hard/soft Plant: It is a relatively hardy plant that can thrive well under proper light, moderate carbon dioxide and good nutrient supplementation. Myriophyllum Aquaticum spreads easily and has become an invasive species and a noxious weed in many areas. 

Ideal water temperature: The ideal temperature for Myriophyllum Aquaticum ranges from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. With the right temperature, the plant shows good growth and leaves exhibit a proper feather-like look.

Lighting and other requirements: Provide good lighting for the proper growth of Myriophyllum Aquaticum. Additional carbon dioxide works in favour of the growth of this beautiful plant. The growth rate is relatively fast. You can grow it as an emersed plant or as a terrestrial or bog plant for the pond. 

Ideal pH level: The ideal pH for Myriophyllum Aquaticum is 6 to 7.5. It is an easily adjustable plant; therefore, it can survive if there is a minor fluctuation in pH as well.

Do you know: Myriophyllum Aquaticum is a typical North American plant that does not produce seeds. It reproduces asexually. The new plants grow from fragments of already rooted plants. The plant has whorls of feathery blue-green to waxy grey-green leaves deeply cut into many narrow lobes, giving it an exotic look.