Description
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Parrot Feather – Myriophyllum aquaticum
Introduction
Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is an eye-catching and fast-growing aquatic plant native to South America, particularly Brazil. Known for its feather-like, bright green leaves, it is commonly used in aquariums and water gardens due to its attractive appearance and ability to thrive in various water conditions. Parrot Feather can grow both submerged and emersed, making it a versatile choice for aquascaping. It’s particularly well-loved by hobbyists looking for a hardy plant that can provide both aesthetic beauty and water filtration benefits in freshwater tanks.
1. Natural Habitat and Behavior
In its natural habitat, Myriophyllum aquaticum thrives in slow-moving waters such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It is typically found in nutrient-rich, shallow water areas, often where it can root into the substrate while allowing its feathery leaves to float on the water’s surface. The plant grows rapidly, spreading quickly across the water’s surface in its native environment. In aquariums, it behaves similarly, growing in dense clusters that can spread quickly unless pruned regularly.
2. Aquarium Setup
- Tank Size: Parrot Feather is a suitable plant for tanks of all sizes, from smaller setups to large aquariums, but it requires ample space for growth. In a smaller tank, its rapid growth may become a challenge.
- Lighting: This plant thrives under moderate to bright lighting. Low light will slow its growth and can cause the plant to become leggy or weak. Ideally, provide 10-12 hours of light per day to ensure healthy growth and vibrant color.
- Water Conditions:
- pH: 6.0–8.0
- Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
- Substrate: Parrot Feather prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, although it can also grow in the water column, making it suitable for tanks without substrate. It will benefit from regular fertilization or CO2 supplementation to ensure the plant stays healthy and vibrant.
3. Diet and Feeding
Parrot Feather absorbs nutrients through both its roots and leaves. In tanks with good water quality and regular water changes, the plant typically does not need extra feeding. However, in tanks with limited natural nutrients, adding liquid fertilizers or root tabs will promote faster, healthier growth. The plant thrives with additional CO2 supplementation, which encourages robust growth and maintains its vibrant green color.
4. Compatibility with Other Fish
Myriophyllum aquaticum is non-toxic to fish, making it safe for most freshwater species. It is particularly beneficial in aquariums with fish that appreciate plant cover, such as tetras, guppies, or bettas. However, because of its fast growth, it can quickly overtake other plants in the tank and may need frequent pruning. Larger or more active fish may uproot or disturb the plant, so it is best kept with peaceful species. It also makes a great hiding spot for shrimp and small fry.
5. Common Challenges and Tips
- Rapid Growth: One of the biggest challenges with Parrot Feather is its fast growth. Without regular pruning, it can quickly become invasive in the tank, spreading across the surface and shading other plants. Trimming the plant regularly will help control its growth and keep the tank looking tidy.
- Emersed Growth: If Parrot Feather is allowed to grow above the waterline (emersed), it can become leggy and unattractive. It is best kept fully submerged or trimmed to prevent this.
- Root Attachment: Although the plant can grow floating or rooted, it may not root securely in some substrates. Using weights or anchoring the plant can help keep it in place, especially in tanks with strong currents.
Conclusion
Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is a stunning and adaptable aquatic plant that adds visual interest to any freshwater aquarium. Its feathery, bright green leaves make it an excellent choice for background or midground planting. With proper care and maintenance, it can grow rapidly and provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, such as water filtration. Hobbyists should be prepared to manage its growth with regular pruning to prevent it from taking over the tank, but its hardiness and versatility make it a popular choice for aquascapers of all levels.
