Description
Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is a stunning freshwater aquarium plant known for its soft, feathery green leaves that resemble the plumage of a parrot. This beautiful stem plant creates a lush, natural look in aquariums, ponds, and paludariums. Its delicate texture and vibrant color make it a favorite for aquascapers who want to add height, movement, and visual balance to their tanks.
Parrot Feather aquatic plant grows both submerged and emersed, forming intricate, bushy stems that thrive under bright light. It can be used as a background plant in aquariums or as a floating plant in outdoor ponds, where it spreads across the surface to create a soft green mat.
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Why Choose Parrot Feather?
Beautiful feathery leaves: Adds a soft, natural texture to your aquascape.
Versatile growth: Can grow submerged, emersed, or as a floating aquatic plant.
Fast-growing and hardy: Thrives in a wide range of freshwater conditions.
Bright light brings vibrant green tones: Perfect for open, illuminated setups.
Provides shelter for fish and shrimp: Ideal for community tanks, shrimp tanks, and Betta tanks.
Excellent background or surface plant: Adds dimension and depth to your aquascape.
How to Plant Parrot Feather in Your Aquarium
Rinse the plant gently to remove gel or debris before introducing it to your aquarium.
Trim the lower leaves from the stem and insert the base into the substrate using tweezers.
Space multiple stems a few centimeters apart to allow for bushy growth.
Provide moderate to high lighting to encourage dense foliage and vivid color.
For ponds or paludariums, you can also let Parrot Feather float or grow partially emersed.
Tip: Trim regularly to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth. Parrot Feather grows quickly and can be easily propagated by cutting and replanting healthy stems.
How to Care for Parrot Feather
pH: 6.0 – 7.8
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Lighting: Moderate to high (30–60 PAR). Stronger light promotes compact growth and brighter green leaves
CO₂: Optional because this plant grows faster and fuller with CO₂ supplementation
Fertilization: Benefits from liquid fertilizer or nutrient-rich water column
Placement: Background or surface-floating plant for aquariums and ponds
Parrot Feather Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Parrot Feather plant invasive?
Yes, Parrot Feather is considered invasive in outdoor ponds and natural waterways in certain regions due to its rapid growth and ability to spread quickly across the water’s surface. However, when kept in a controlled aquarium or indoor aquascape, it’s perfectly safe and manageable. Regular trimming helps maintain its size and shape, making it a beautiful and functional freshwater aquarium plant without the risk of uncontrolled spreading. Always avoid releasing this plant into natural bodies of water.
Can I grow Parrot Feather in my fish tank?
Absolutely! Parrot Feather grows beautifully in fish tanks and planted aquariums. Its feathery, soft leaves provide excellent cover for fish and shrimp, making it a great choice for community tanks, Betta tanks, and shrimp aquariums. It thrives under moderate to high lighting and can grow both submerged and floating, depending on your setup.
Do Parrot Feather need CO2?
No, Parrot Feather does not require CO₂ to grow, though it can benefit from it. This hardy aquarium stem plant grows well in low-tech aquariums without CO₂ supplementation, provided it receives enough light and nutrients. If you choose to add CO₂, you’ll notice faster growth, more compact stems, and richer coloration.
