🌱 General Information

• Common Name: Parrot Feather, Brazilian Watermilfoil

• Scientific Name: Myriophyllum aquaticum

• Family: Haloragaceae

• Origin: Native to South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina)

• Type: Perennial, submerged and emergent aquatic plant

🌿 Appearance

• Leaves: Soft, feathery, and finely divided, resembling a parrot’s feather (hence the name).

• Color: Bright green to bluish-green.

• Growth Form:

  • Submerged stems are limp and finely feathered.

  • Emergent stems rise above the water (up to 10–12 inches), giving a bushy, decorative look.

• Height: Can grow up to 1.5–2 feet (45–60 cm) tall above water.

• Spread: Forms dense mats both underwater and on the surface.

💧 Aquarium / Pond Care

• Placement: Best suited for ponds, water gardens, and large outdoor aquariums.

• Tank Position: Background or midground in aquariums; marginal plant in ponds.

• Light Requirement:

  • Medium to high light.

  • Direct sunlight encourages faster growth in ponds.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 15–30 °C

  • pH: 6.0–8.0

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Substrate: Doesn’t require heavy rooting; can be anchored in soil, gravel, or left floating.

• CO₂ Requirement: Not essential but helps with vibrant growth in aquariums.

🌱 Growth & Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Fast growing; can become invasive if not managed.

• Pruning: Regular trimming needed to prevent overgrowth and clogging of water flow.

• Propagation:

  • Cuttings of stems (easy).

  • Fragments can re-root and grow into new plants.

🐟 Compatibility

• Aquarium Use: Provides shade and shelter for fish and shrimp.

• Breeding Habitat: Excellent cover for fry and egg-laying fish.

• Fish Safety: Most fish don’t eat it, but goldfish and larger cichlids may uproot it.

🌍 Uses & Benefits

• Aesthetic: Attractive feathery look enhances aquascapes and ponds.

• Ecosystem Role:

  • Oxygenates water.

  • Provides shelter for aquatic life.

  • Reduces algae by competing for nutrients.

• Erosion Control: Often planted along pond edges to stabilize banks.

⚠️ Special Notes

• Invasiveness:

  • Considered an invasive species in many countries (USA, parts of Europe, Asia).

  • Grows aggressively and can choke waterways.

• Legal Status: Banned in some regions for sale and cultivation. Always check local laws before introducing it outdoors.

• Maintenance Tip: Best grown in controlled environments like ponds or aquariums where spread can be managed.

✅ Summary:
Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is a fast-growing, feathery aquatic plant ideal for ponds and aquascapes. It thrives in medium to high light, provides excellent shelter for fish, and helps oxygenate water. However, due to its invasive nature, it should be kept under control and checked against local restrictions.