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PlantbeginnerFreshwater

Myriophyllum Aquaticum

Myriophyllum aquaticum

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaHaloragaceae

📍 South America

Ask Finn

Parrot's Feather is a fast-growing, feathery stem plant with blue-green whorled leaves. It grows both submerged and emersed. Excellent for ponds and unheated tanks. Grows vigorously without CO2, absorbing nutrients rapidly and helping suppress algae. In warm tanks it may require pruning weekly to keep it manageable.

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, or melting of new growth despite adequate light

Treatment

Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (iron, boron, etc.) 1-2 times weekly; test water parameters and adjust dosing based on response

Algae Overgrowth on Plant

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating the plant leaves, reducing photosynthesis and plant vigor

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, add algae-eating fish or shrimp (Otocinclus, Amano Shrimp), and manually remove affected leaves if severe

Stem Rot or Decay

Symptoms

Mushy, blackened, or translucent stems; foul odor; leaves detaching easily from the stem

Treatment

Remove affected stems immediately, improve water circulation with aeration, reduce tank temperature if above 26°C, perform 30-50% water changes, and ensure substrate is not compacted around the base

Slow Growth or Melting

Symptoms

Plant fails to grow, leaves become transparent or dissolve, especially after initial planting

Treatment

Ensure adequate lighting (medium-high), stable water parameters (pH 6.0-8.0), consistent temperature (18-26°C), and dose fertilizers; allow 2-4 weeks for acclimation before expecting vigorous growth

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Quick Facts

co2
Not required
light
Medium–High
placement
Background or emersed margin
tank size
20 gallons minimum or pond
growth rate
Very fast

Water it likes

ph
6.0–8.0
hardness
2–20 dGH
temperature
50–79°F (10–26°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Growing in0 tanks