Parrot Feather: Aquatic Plants for Goldfish

Parrot Feather (Water Milfoil)

Myriophyllum aquaticum

This is a great aquatic plant for goldfish fry to hide in and feed off of. The parrot feather is also a great oxygenator. Many aquatic plants for goldfish are consider noxious weeds in many regions and this is one of them. Never allow this plant to get into local waterways.

Region: The parrot feather is originally from North and South America

Habitat: It is found growing in slow moving freshwater water ponds, streams, lakes and canals

Water: The parrot feather aquatic plant will grow in water with a temperature of 50-77*F (10-25*C), with neutral to slightly acidic and soft to medium water hardness.

Lighting: This aquatic plant requires plenty of bright light to thrive.

Height: The Parrot Feather can grow shoots up to 12 inches (30cm).

Growing: Anchor it into the substrate in bunches to create a bush effect where it can receive plenty of bright light. If the parrot feather aquatic plant grows too larger, it can be trimmed and the tops replanted. The parrot feather is known to successfully grow out of the water in wet areas. It can be used on pond edges or in between the rocks on waterfalls. Winter frost can damage the parrot feather but does not harm any of the aquatic plants that are beneath the water. Damaged shoots will likely recover.

Propagation: dividing rhizomes and by replanting cuttings.

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