Overview
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is a species of aquatic plant that belongs to the Haloragaceae family. It is commonly known as slender watermilfoil or Eurasian watermilfoil. This plant was first introduced to North America in the 1940s and is now considered an invasive species in many areas. However, it has also been cultivated for its ornamental value and benefits to aquatic ecosystems.
Appearance
The slender watermilfoil has long, thin stems that can grow up to 3 meters in length. It has numerous feathery, green leaves that are arranged in whorls around the stem. The leaves are finely dissected and can grow to be 1-2 centimeters long. The flowers are small and pink or red in color, and they bloom from June to September.
Origin
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It was introduced to North America in the 1940s and has since spread rapidly throughout the continent. It is commonly found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
Uses
The slender watermilfoil is used in many ways. In aquatic ecosystems, it provides food and habitat for fish and other aquatic animals. It also helps to stabilize sediments and reduce erosion along shorelines. However, in areas where it is considered invasive, it can choke out native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems.
Outside of aquatic ecosystems, slender watermilfoil is sometimes used in ornamental ponds and water gardens. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea and dysentery.
Light Requirements
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange typically prefers a moderate to high level of light. This plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive, making it best suited for growing in outdoor settings. Indoors, it can be grown under bright artificial lights or near windows that provide ample natural light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it adaptable to various environments. The ideal temperature range for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. However, it can survive in temperatures ranging from 5 to 33 degrees Celsius with minimal impact on its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange prefers a nutrient-rich substrate that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in both sandy and clay soils that have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 8.0. This plant also requires a high concentration of iron to thrive, making it essential to add iron supplements to the soil periodically.
Cultivation method for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange, also known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is a popular aquatic plant that you can easily grow in your home garden pond or natural pond. The plant grows best in shallow freshwater areas, and it can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and light conditions.
When planting the Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange, ensure you create a suitable environment for the plants to thrive. Start by placing the cuttings in a growing tray filled with nutrient-rich soil, or you can plant them directly in the water. Ensure to submerge the trays or plant cuttings under three to five inches of water.
Watering needs for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange
Watering the Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is straightforward as the plants grow entirely in water. It is essential to maintain clean water levels in your pond or container and avoid stagnant waters. This is crucial since stagnant waters promote the growth of algae and other waterborne organisms that can harm the plants.
Mostly, you do not need to water the plant as it uses the water and nutrients available in the water. However, if you're growing the plant from cuttings and have planted in the soil before submerging in water, ensure that you keep the soil damp for the first few weeks.
Fertilization for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange
Fertilizing the Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is essential if you want to keep the plants healthy and growing. As water plants, they obtain their nutrients from the water through their roots.
You can add fertilizers to the water or pond to promote the growth of these plants. Ensure that you select the right fertilizer for water plants and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which could harm the plants and other aquatic organisms.
Pruning for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange
Pruning the Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is essential in keeping the plants healthy and tidy. Ensure that you regularly trim the overgrown and dead leaves, stems, and other debris from the plant.
When pruning, use a sharp knife or scissors to avoid damaging the plants. Ensure that you remove the cuttings from the pond or water container to prevent water contamination or the growth of harmful organisms.
Propagation of Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange, also known as slender watermilfoil, is a popular aquatic plant that is commonly used in aquariums, water gardens, and natural ponds. The plant is known for its feathery leaves that grow in dense clusters and its ability to absorb nutrients and toxins from the water.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is possible through seeds. The best time to collect seeds is during late summer to early fall. Seeds can be collected by gently shaking the mature plant, causing the seeds to fall into the water. After collecting the seeds, they can be sown directly into the substrate of the aquarium or pond. The seeds require plenty of sunlight, warmth, and nutrients to germinate, and this can take anywhere between two and six weeks. Once the seeds have germinated, the plants should be thinned out to provide enough space for each plant to grow.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another popular method of propagating Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange is through stem cuttings. This method is ideal for those who wish to create a fuller and denser-looking plant. To propagate through stem cuttings, remove a healthy side shoot from the plant and make a clean cut just below a node. The cutting should be placed in the substrate and kept moist until it develops roots. This can take anywhere between one and two weeks, depending on environmental conditions. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be moved to a permanent location.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another common method used for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange. This method involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections. The plant should be gently lifted from the substrate, carefully divided into smaller sections, and replanted in the aquarium or pond. Each section should have a few healthy roots and stems. This can be done during the early spring when the plant is actively growing. When dividing the plant, the sections should be kept moist to prevent them from drying out.
Disease and Pest Management for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. capillaceum Lange, commonly known as slender watermilfoil, is a submerged aquatic plant that grows in freshwater bodies. Although it is hardy and easy to grow, it is not immune to diseases and pest infestations that can harm its growth and development. Thus, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial to maintaining the plant's health and vitality.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Myriophyllum spicatum are fungal and bacterial infections. Fungal infections can cause root rot and leaf blight, while bacterial infections can cause stem and leaf wilting. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases. Remove any infected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of disease throughout the aquatic garden. Use a fungicide or bactericide to treat the plants and prevent further infection.
Common Pests
Myriophyllum spicatum can also be affected by pests such as aphids, snails, and mites. Aphids can cause leaf curling and stunted growth, while snails can damage plant roots and stems. Mites can also cause leaf discoloration and defoliation when left untreated. Handpicking the pests off the plants can help control the infestation. Using insecticide or molluscicide can be an effective option for severe infestations.
Pest Prevention
Preventing pest infestations is crucial to maintaining the health and vitality of Myriophyllum spicatum. One effective method is to introduce beneficial insects that feed on pests. For example, introducing ladybugs can help control aphids. Also, avoid using excessive fertilizers, as this can make the plants more susceptible to pest infestation. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the aquatic garden can also prevent pest infestation.
Through proper disease and pest management practices such as those mentioned above, you can ensure that your Myriophyllum spicatum plants are healthy and thriving.
