Myriophyllum aquaticum (Parrot's Feather)

Myriophyllum aquaticum, Parrot's Feather, is a South American aquatic plant that grows both submerged and emergent, but it is the emergent form that gives it its common name: the bright blue-green, finely divided whorled foliage that emerges above the waterline closely resembles a parrot's tail feathers, forming dense, arching mounds of feathery texture over pond margins and paludarium water sections. The emergent foliage is blue-green and stiff, quite unlike the softer submerged form.

In paludariums it is an ideal waterline mounding plant — stems arch gracefully over the water surface while roots remain anchored in substrate below the waterline. It is a vigorous grower in strong light and requires regular harvesting to prevent it from dominating the water surface. The dense emergent growth provides excellent cover for surface-dwelling fish and aquatic invertebrates in paludarium builds.

Light: High; 3,000–8,000 lux; emergent growth is most lush and blue-green under strong light. CO2/Humidity: No CO2; roots submerged in substrate; emergent stems in open or humid air above the waterline. Fertilisation: Weekly dilute all-purpose fertiliser into the water section; fast grower needing regular nutrients. Placement: Plant in substrate at the waterline; allow emergent stems to arch out over the water surface. Propagation: Stem cuttings replanted in substrate root very easily; divide large clumps regularly.