Description
Plant Profile
Myriophyllum Aquaticum, commonly known as Parrot’s Feather or Water Feather, is a fast-growing, highly textured aquatic stem plant native to the lush streams, lakes, and river systems of the Amazon Basin in South America. Its needle-like foliage creates a delicate, feather-like look, and this perennial doesn’t just stick to one lane: it thrives in indoor planted aquariums, open-top aquascapes, paludariums, and outdoor water gardens alike. Let it grow emersed above the waterline, and it builds lush, fir-like mini forests right at the surface, while the submerged foliage below keeps things soft, bright-green, and full of gentle movement.
*Shipping Restriction Notice: To comply with conservation laws and state environmental regulations, we are unable to sell or ship this plant to the following states: IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, PA, WA, and WI.
*Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants.
Key Features & Benefits
Feathery leaf whorls add needle-like texture and movement to background zones.
Versatile in submerged aquariums, open-top paludariums, bog gardens, and outdoor ponds.
Fast growth acts as a natural nutrient sponge to keep water clean and suppress algae.
Care & Planting Instructions
Remove lead weight (or pot) and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the roots, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into soil, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower growth.
Provide moderate-to-high lighting and clean water conditions; while adaptable without CO2, supplying pressurized CO2 yields faster growth.
Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting.
Trim main stem tops with straight scissors once stems reach the desired height, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to easily propagate and expand coverage. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Common Name(s)
Parrot’s Feather, Water Feather, Myriophyllum Aquaticum
Family
Haloragaceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Stem Plant / Terrestrial & Aquatic Bog Plant
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Light Requirement
Moderate to High (High light required for dense growth)
CO2 Requirement
Recommended (Enhances stem thickness and foliage density)
Placement / Usage
Midground / Background Bushing / Pond Edge
Height / Size
4–16”+
Growth Rate
Fast
Water Parameters
pH 6.0–7.5
Propagation Method
Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops)
Origin
South America (Amazon River Basin)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves turning yellow or falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower foliage healthy.
2. Can I grow Parrot’s Feather in outdoor ponds or paludariums?
Yes, Parrot’s Feather is exceptionally versatile and thrives in open-top tanks, paludariums, and outdoor ponds. When allowed to breach the water surface, it grows stout, fir-like emersed shoots that form attractive floating or bog carpeting along water margins.
3. How do I transition Parrot’s Feather from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into substrate under adequate lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its stiffer emersed leaves and sprout soft, feathery underwater foliage. Once new shoots take root, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
