Origin
Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. is a species of aquatic plant that is native to South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina. It belongs to the Haloragaceae family and is commonly referred to as Brazilian watermilfoil.
Common Names
In addition to Brazilian watermilfoil, Myriophyllum brasiliense is also known as parrot feather, red watermilfoil, and bright watermilfoil. These common names refer to the plant's feathery, reddish-tinged leaves, which resemble a parrot's feathers.
Uses
Myriophyllum brasiliense is primarily used in aquariums and ponds as an ornamental plant. Its attractive foliage can add visual interest and help oxygenate the water. The plant is also used in wetland restoration projects to help filter water and provide habitat for aquatic animals.
General Appearance
The foliage of Myriophyllum brasiliense consists of fine, feathery leaves that range in color from green to reddish-brown. The stems can grow up to 18 inches long and have a reddish hue. The plant typically forms dense clumps and has a bushy, spreading habit. In the spring and summer, it produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers on long stems that emerge above the water surface.
Growth Conditions for Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb.
Light: Myriophyllum brasiliense requires moderate to high light. It can grow in partial shade but will not thrive with low light levels.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm water temperatures between 68 to 82°F (20° to 28°C). It can also tolerate cooler temperatures, but growth rates will be slower.
Water: This plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0-7.5) and soft to moderately hard water. The water should be clean and free from pollutants.
Substrate: Myriophyllum brasiliense can be planted in a variety of substrates, including sand, gravel, and nutrient-rich soils. Adding a nutrient-rich substrate can help promote healthy growth.
C02: This plant will benefit from C02 injection, which can help enhance photosynthesis and promote faster growth.
Nutrients: Supplemental nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron can promote healthy growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Adding liquid fertilizers or root tabs can provide these nutrients.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and planted in a nutrient-rich substrate. New roots will form within a few days and new growth will appear within a week.
Cultivation
Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb., also known as red-stemmed parrot feather, is an aquatic plant commonly grown in fish tanks and outdoor ponds. It thrives in warm water environments with a temperature range of 68-82°F (20-28°C). The plant is easy to cultivate, making it a popular choice for beginner aquarists and pond keepers.
To start cultivating M. brasiliense Camb., plant it in substrate material such as gravel or sand. You may also anchor it to a rock or any other porous material. Ensure that the plant is not buried too deep as it may affect its growth. The ideal placement should allow the crown of the plant to be above the substrate, and its roots allowed to grow in it.
Water Needs
Water is vital to the growth and development of Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. It requires a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and a water hardness of 5-20 dGH. When cultivating it in a fish tank or pond, perform a 25% water change weekly to keep the water healthy for the plant and fish.
Ensure that the water flow in the tank or pond is moderate as high water flow can cause damage to the plant. The water flow rate should be enough to provide sufficient nutrients to the plant without causing physical damage.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth of the M. brasiliense Camb. When growing the plant in a fish tank, it benefits from the waste produced by the fish. However, if the tank does not have enough fish, you can fertilize the plant using commercial fertilizers made explicitly for aquatic plants. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package for the appropriate dosage.
For outdoor ponds, use slow-release fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause algal blooms and other water quality issues. Apply the fertilizer once a month according to the package instructions, this should ensure optimal growth of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning promotes denser growth and prevents the M. brasiliense Camb. from taking over the entire tank or pond. Use a pair of sharp scissors to trim back the plant to your desired height or shape. Cut above the leaf node to encourage branching. You can prune the plant as frequently as twice a month, depending on its growth rate. Also, ensure you remove any dead or yellowing leaves to avoid nutrient deficiency.
Propagation of Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb.
Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. can be propagated through vegetative methods, including stem cuttings and division.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant and planted directly into nutrient-rich substrate. The cuttings should be around 5-7cm in length and include multiple nodes. The bottom nodes can be stripped of leaves to allow for easier rooting. Cuttings can be planted individually or in groups of two or three to encourage stronger growth.
The cutting should be placed into the substrate just deep enough to allow for full coverage of the bottom nodes. It is important to keep the substrate moist and provide adequate lighting to encourage healthy growth. After four to six weeks, the cutting should have rooted and have developed new growth.
Division
Division is a common method of propagation for Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. This method involves gently removing the parent plant from the substrate and separating out the smaller plants that have formed along the stem. Each smaller plant should have an adequate amount of roots attached to it.
These smaller plants can then be planted into their own individual pots or into nutrient-rich substrate for further growing. It is important to keep the substrate moist and provide adequate lighting to encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. can be easily done through either stem cuttings or division. Both methods provide a quick and efficient way to grow new plants from a parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb.
Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. is a beautiful and hardy aquatic plant that makes a great addition to any aquarium or pond. However, it is not immune to diseases and pests that can impact its growth and health. Understanding the common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and the ways to manage them is essential for its successful cultivation.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. is the black rot disease. It is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola, which attacks the plant's roots and stems. Infected plants may show signs like yellowing and brown spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected plant parts and reduce watering. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect this plant is the leaf spot disease. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora, which creates dark lesions on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and avoid watering the plant's foliage. Fungicides can also be used in case of severe infection.
Common Pests
Two common pests that can affect Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. are snails and algae. Snails can eat the plant's leaves, damaging them or killing them entirely. The presence of snails can be controlled by removing them manually or using snail traps. Algae can grow on the plant's leaves and stems, affecting its growth and health. Control algae growth by providing adequate lighting and water circulation, and limit the nutrients content in water.
Another pest that can damage this plant is the whitefly. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow, curl, and eventually die. Use natural predators like ladybugs to control the whitefly population. Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be applied to the plant to kill whiteflies.
Conclusion
Proper prevention and treatment of diseases and pests are essential for the proper growth and maintenance of Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb. Make sure to keep the plant in a healthy environment, avoid overwatering, and regularly check for signs of damage. In case of any infection, follow the given management techniques and take appropriate action.
