Description of Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson, also known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is a submerged aquatic plant that belongs to the family Haloragaceae. It is a native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, but it has also been introduced and naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Its common names include spiked watermilfoil, European watermilfoil, and northern watermilfoil.
Appearance of Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson
The plant has long, slender stems that grow up to 3 meters long. The stems bear whorls of feathery, bright green leaves that are divided into many fine, thread-like segments. The leaves are arranged in whorls of four to six around the stem. The plant’s root stems are thin and elongated resulting in a fine, hair-like appearance. It produces small, inconspicuous, four-petaled flowers that bloom from June to September and can be seen floating on the water's surface. The plant can also form dense mats on the water surface, which can make swimming and boating difficult.
Uses of Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson is used in the aquarium industry as an ornamental plant. It also acts as a protective cover for young fish, providing them with shade and clear water for swimming. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat anemia, rheumatism, and urinary problems. It has also been used in phytoremediation to remove excess nutrients and impurities from water bodies, improving water quality. However, as an invasive species, it can pose a significant threat to native plant and animal species. Its dense growth can also clog waterways and reduce water quality, making it challenging to manage.
Light Requirements
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson requires full sunlight for optimum growth and development. In addition, it can tolerate partial shade, but the growth rate in such conditions will be slower. Therefore, it is advisable to place the plant in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson thrives in warm to temperate climates. Its growth rate is optimal at an average temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). The plant can tolerate lower temperatures of about 10°C (50°F) but its growth rate will be hindered. On the other hand, temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can lead to the death of the plant due to heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson grows well in a variety of soil types. The ideal soil is a fine-grained clayey soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of between 6.5-7.5. The soil should also have good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to the root rot of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson plant can grow in a variety of water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings and the removal of the plant's daughter plants or runners.
Watering Needs
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson plant is an aquatic plant and should be grown either partially or entirely submerged in water. The plant requires consistently moist soil or water to thrive. In the wild, it grows in shallow water, and it is best to replicate these growing conditions for cultivation. If possible, change the water in the container once a month to avoid the accumulation of minerals and salts.
Fertilization
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you prefer to fertilize, add a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil before planting. Alternatively, you may add a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. When fertilizing, ensure to not exceed the recommended amount of fertilizer, as excessive fertilizer can harm the plant or cause the water to be cloudy.
Pruning
The Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson plant may require periodic pruning to keep it looking attractive and healthy. Pruning helps control the plant's growth and reduce overcrowding in the container. You may trim the plant's leaves and stems to the desired shape and size using sharp scissors. It is best to prune the plant in the spring or fall to increase its blooming potential.
Propagation Methods for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is a submersed aquatic plant that can spread quickly in water bodies. The plant has narrow leaves arranged in whorls around the stem and can grow up to 3 meters long. It produces small white flowers in summer and fall.
Propagation through Seeds
One way to propagate Myriophyllum spicatum is through seeds. The plant produces small nutlets that can be collected when they are mature. Nutlets can be collected from flowering plants in the late summer or fall. These nutlets can be stored in an airtight container until planting time.
To propagate the plant using seeds, sow the nutlets in moist soil in a container or in the desired location in the water body where they can grow. The seeds should be planted in shallow water, and water depth should be increased gradually as the plants grow.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Another way to propagate Myriophyllum spicatum is through stem cuttings. Take cuttings from healthy parent plants in the spring or early summer when new growth is beginning. Cuttings should be about 3-6 inches long and should contain at least one node.
Place the cuttings in a container of water, making sure that the nodes are completely submerged. Change the water daily to provide oxygen and to prevent the growth of algae. After about 2-3 weeks, the cuttings should develop roots. Once the roots are established, the plants can be transplanted into the desired location in the water body.
Disease and Pest Management for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. exalbescens (Fern.) Jepson, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is a perennial plant that is often used in aquariums and water gardens. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can damage or kill the plant. Effective disease and pest management can help maintain healthy plants and prevent the spread of diseases to other plants in the area.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Myriophyllum spicatum is a fungal disease known as water mold or downy mildew. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good water quality and avoid introducing infected plants to the area.
Another common disease is leaf spot, which is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include small brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and maintain good air circulation around the plants to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Common Pests
Myriophyllum spicatum is also vulnerable to a variety of pests, including aphids, snails, and mites. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and reduced plant health.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation and remove any affected leaves or stems. Additionally, introducing natural enemies of these pests, such as ladybugs or predatory mites, can help to control their populations.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is essential for maintaining healthy Myriophyllum spicatum plants. By regularly inspecting the plants, maintaining good water quality, and introducing natural enemies of pests, it is possible to prevent damage and promote healthy plant growth.
