1. Introduction
【Child】 Professor, have you heard of the Parrot Feather or Myriophyllum aquaticum? They say it’s an aquatic plant full of wonder, much like the Secret Garden in Burnett’s classic.
【Professor】 Ah, the Parrot Feather. Indeed, it is a fascinating aquatic plant that holds a unique charm in aquariums, just like the magical world of the Secret Garden. In this article, we shall delve into the world of Parrot Feather and explore its characteristics, cultivation, and how to maintain a flourishing aquatic garden accentuated by the beauty of this unique plant.
2. Characteristics
【Child】 So, professor, what makes the Parrot Feather so special? Like an enchanted forest in a fairy tale, does it have any extraordinary features?
【Professor】 Parrot Feather does have enchanting features! Its delicate, feathery leaves, reminiscent of a parrot’s plumage, give it its name. The leaves create a dense mat and are blue-green to lime-green in color. It’s an adaptable plant, can grow submerged or emerged and is often used in a variety of aquascapes.
【Child】 Paint me a picture of where the Parrot Feather would look best in an aquarium.
【Professor】 Imagine an aquarium akin to a scene from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: the Parrot Feather can serve as the perfect backdrop or as a mid-ground plant depending on the size of the tank. Smaller tanks can maximize the Parrot Feather by keeping it in the mid-ground, while larger tanks can establish a dense background, allowing the Parrot Feather to grow to its maximum height of 12 to 20 inches.
3. Cultivation
【Child】 Professor, is Parrot Feather as magical as Merlin’s garden when it comes to cultivation? Or does it require the meticulous care of a Japanese zen garden?
【Professor】 Parrot Feather is more forgiving than a Japanese zen garden, but not entirely as magical as Merlin’s garden. It’s a moderately easy plant to grow, making it suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
【Child】 What are the secrets to mastering the art of cultivating Parrot Feather? Like Da Vinci with his paints, what specific conditions should one strive for?
【Professor】 Parrot Feather thrives in the following conditions:
Light amount/CO2: Medium light will suffice, but providing high light and CO2 supplementation will encourage more robust growth.
pH, GH, kH: Parrot Feather can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Aim for a pH between 6.5 to 7.5, GH between 5 to 15, and a kH between 1 to 8.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C).
Substrate: Fine to medium-grained aquarium soil is ideal. Sand or gravel can also be used.
Fertilization: Parrot Feather benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate and liquid fertilizers, particularly those containing iron and micronutrients.
Propagation: To propagate Parrot Feather, simply trim a healthy stem and replant it into the substrate.
Above water: Parrot Feather can grow emerged in a paludarium or pond setting, where it can develop small flowers.
4. Precautions
【Child】 Professor, are there any precautions to observe in growing Parrot Feather? Like the thorns of Sleeping Beauty, are there any hidden dangers one needs to be aware of?
【Professor】 Indeed, care should be taken when planting Parrot Feather. Its dense mat of leaves can sometimes obstruct too much light, potentially hindering the growth of nearby plants. Also, be mindful that in some countries, Parrot Feather is considered invasive and may be banned or restricted.
As for coexisting with aquatic creatures, it provides excellent hiding spots for shrimp and small fish. However, be cautious when housing large, herbivorous fish as they might snack on the delicate leaves.
5. Summary
【Child】 So, professor, would it be fair to say that cultivating Parrot Feather is like creating a Botticelli masterpiece in an aquarium?
【Professor】 Beautifully put, my young friend. Cultivating Parrot Feather can indeed render an aquarium into a captivating underwater landscape. By understanding its characteristics, offering the appropriate conditions for its growth, and considering the precautions we discussed, one can create an aquatic sanctuary that resembles the masterpieces of Botticelli or the enchanting realms of literature’s greatest gardens.