How to Grow Parrotfeather
Wikimedia Commons
Parrotfeather
Myriophyllum aquaticum
aquatic plantParrotfeather is a popular aquatic plant with delicate, feathery foliage that emerges above and below the water surface, creating an attractive texture in ponds and water gardens. Native to South America, it grows rapidly and can quickly establish itself in water gardens. The bright green, finely divided leaves resemble feathers, giving the plant its distinctive common name.
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Example Parrotfeather timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Parrotfeather
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Parrotfeather
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Parrotfeather dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-11; survives as a tender perennial in cooler zones with winter protection
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Establishment
2-4 weeksNewly planted stems begin rooting and developing additional leaves. Submerged foliage is initially denser than emergent growth.
Ensure stable water temperature (55-75°F ideal). Minimize disturbance. Monitor for healthy root development over first 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops robust submerged foliage and begins sending shoots above the water surface. Stems elongate rapidly and lateral branches form.
Provide consistent sunlight. Apply aquatic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Thin dense growth to improve water circulation and prevent algae buildup.
Emergent Growth
Ongoing once establishedFeathery foliage extends 6-12 inches above water level, creating the characteristic plume-like appearance. Above-water leaves are lighter green and more delicate than submerged leaves.
Maintain consistent water level. This stage is when the plant is most attractive. Protect emergent portions from harsh winds.
Flowering
Summer, variableTiny, inconspicuous red or pinkish flowers may appear on emergent stems in summer, though flowering is rare in cultivation.
Flowers are not the main ornamental feature. Focus on maintaining healthy foliage. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continued growth.
Maintenance
Ongoing throughout seasonPlant continues vigorous growth throughout growing season. Dense mats may form requiring pruning to prevent complete water surface coverage.
Trim regularly to maintain desired height and density. Remove any yellowing or decaying stems. Provide iron supplements for vibrant green color. In fall, reduce fertilizer as growth naturally slows.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand or introduce native predatory fish. Snails are often beneficial but can overpopulate; remove excess manually.
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Improve water circulation, provide shade if necessary, add barley straw extract, maintain nutrient balance, ensure adequate oxygenation with air pumps or fountains.
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Maintain good water quality and circulation. Introduce dragonfly nymphs or fish predators. Remove decaying plant material promptly.
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Physically skim surface to remove competing plants. Ensure parrotfeather has sufficient light. Prune to prevent shading by parrotfeather itself.
Uses
Fish habitat and shelter
WildlifeParrotfeather provides excellent cover for fish and aquatic invertebrates, creating a complex three-dimensional habitat. Fry and small fish use the dense foliage for protection from predators. [source]
Pond and water garden decoration
HouseholdThe feathery, bright green foliage adds delicate texture and visual interest to water gardens, ponds, and aquariums. It creates an attractive focal point and can soften harsh pond edges. [source]
Water oxygenation and quality improvement
HouseholdLike all aquatic plants, parrotfeather produces oxygen during photosynthesis and helps absorb excess nutrients that promote algae growth, improving overall water quality and clarity. [source]
Aquarium plant for herbivorous fish
CulinarySome herbivorous aquarium fish species browse on parrotfeather, making it useful as both a decorative and functional food source in planted aquariums. [source]
Harvest Tips
Parrotfeather is not typically harvested but rather maintained through regular trimming. Trim stems to desired height using clean scissors or pruning shears, cutting just above a leaf node. Remove 1/3 of the plant mass at a time to avoid shocking it. Cuttings can be propagated by placing stems in substrate to create new plants. Remove yellowing or decaying stems promptly. Best pruning occurs in spring and early summer when growth is most vigorous.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Parrotfeather is considered invasive in many regions outside South America, capable of forming dense monocultures that exclude native plants and clog waterways; it is banned in some states and countries.
- 🌱 The plant gets its name from the resemblance of its feathery foliage to the plumage of parrots, particularly the bright green feathers that develop when given optimal light.
- 🌱 Parrotfeather can propagate vegetatively from any stem fragment—even tiny pieces can develop roots and grow into new plants, making it extremely easy to propagate for water garden expansion.
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