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Description
Myriophyllum Aquaticum, also known as parrot feather, is an aquatic plant native to South America. It is popular among aquarium hobbyists and water gardeners due to its unique appearance and ease of care. The plant has feathery, bright green leaves that grow in whorls around the stem. It can grow up to 5 feet long and typically grows in shallow water.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Haloragales |
| Family | Haloragaceae |
| Genus | Myriophyllum |
Appearance
Myriophyllum Aquaticum has feathery, bright green leaves that grow in whorls around the stem. The leaves are often tinged with red or purple at the tips. The plant can grow up to 5 feet long and typically grows in shallow water. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not the main attraction of the plant.
Care Guide
Myriophyllum Aquaticum is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Myriophyllum Aquaticum prefers clean, fresh water. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, but does best in water that is between 72-78°F.- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization, but a weekly dose of liquid fertilizer can help it grow faster.- Soil: Myriophyllum Aquaticum does not require soil, but it can be planted in a substrate made of gravel or sand.- Sunlight: The plant does best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy.- Hardiness Zones: Myriophyllum Aquaticum is hardy in USDA zones 6-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Myriophyllum Aquaticum is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to some common issues. Here are a few to watch out for:- Algae: Excessive algae growth can smother Myriophyllum Aquaticum and prevent it from growing properly. Regular water changes and proper filtration can help prevent algae growth.- Snails: Snails can eat Myriophyllum Aquaticum and cause significant damage. Use snail traps or snail-eating fish to control snail populations.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot in Myriophyllum Aquaticum. Make sure the plant is planted in well-draining substrate and avoid letting the water become stagnant.
Habitat
Myriophyllum Aquaticum is native to South America, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It typically grows in shallow water, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It can tolerate a range of water conditions, but prefers clean, fresh water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Myriophyllum Aquaticum be grown in a pond?
A: Yes, Myriophyllum Aquaticum is often grown in ponds and other aquatic environments.
Q: Does Myriophyllum Aquaticum require soil?
A: No, Myriophyllum Aquaticum does not require soil, but it can be planted in a substrate made of gravel or sand.
Q: Can Myriophyllum Aquaticum be grown in cold water?
A: Yes, Myriophyllum Aquaticum can tolerate a range of water temperatures, but does best in water that is between 72-78°F.
Q: Is Myriophyllum Aquaticum a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Myriophyllum Aquaticum is known for its fast growth rate.
Related Plants
– Myriophyllum Spicatum- Myriophyllum Mattogrossense- Myriophyllum Hippuroides
References
– “Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum Aquaticum).” The Spruce Pets.- “Myriophyllum Aquaticum.” Missouri Botanical Garden.- “Myriophyllum Aquaticum.” Aquatic Plant Central.
