Parrot's Feather
myriophyllum aquaticum
Also known as: ["Parrotfeather","Millfoil"]
Overview
A submerged aquatic plant with feathery, bright green foliage, often partially emergent. It is known for its rapid growth and invasive tendencies in many regions.
Benefits & Perks
["fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Haloragaceae |
| Genus: | Myriophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Myriophyllum aquaticum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: ponds, aquariums, or water gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; prefers moist but not waterlogged conditions
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but may grow leggy in low light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered sunlight or dappled shade, especially outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct midday sun; rotate plant for even growth; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
daily in extreme heat, every 2–3 days otherwise
Maintain constant moisture; avoid waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage; water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
Soil
rich, loamy aquatic soil or submerged in nutrient-rich water
pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Ensure soil stays moist; amend with organic matter for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–80°F / 18–27°C); prefers stable conditions and dislikes cold drafts.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain stable warmth; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light
Medium
Water or moist potting mix with good drainage
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting
Timeline
Roots in 1–3 weeks; establish in 4–6 weeks
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), container
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water regularly if using water propagation; maintain humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; pinch tips to encourage branching
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or yellowing stems to improve appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or overgrown stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot)
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out compacted roots; place in a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare new soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is saturated. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep the soil consistently moist; water daily or as needed to maintain saturation, especially in warm weather. Reduce frequency slightly in cooler months but never let the soil dry out.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; leaf scorch or browning in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; protect from frost.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive evaporation.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicMyriophyllum aquaticum is slightly toxic to cats. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal issues, but serious toxicity is uncommon.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicMyriophyllum aquaticum is slightly toxic to dogs. Consumption can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, though severe poisoning is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicMyriophyllum aquaticum, commonly known as parrot's feather, is considered slightly toxic to humans. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of certain compounds that may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Myriophyllum aquaticum safe for fish tanks?
A: Yes, it is commonly used in aquariums and ponds, but its invasive nature requires careful management.
Q: How does Parrot's Feather spread?
A: It spreads vegetatively through stem fragments and can quickly colonize water bodies.
Q: Is it legal to plant Parrot's Feather in all regions?
A: No, it is banned or restricted in many areas due to its invasive potential.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Haloragaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | daily in extreme heat, every 2 |
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