Origin
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum, commonly known as "spiked water-milfoil", belongs to the Haloragaceae family of aquatic plants. It is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa but has spread to inhabit many parts of North America, South America, and Oceania due to its popularity in aquariums and water gardens.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as spiked water-milfoil or spiky myriophyllum in English. In other countries, it is known by varying names such as "Kamm-Laichkraut" in Germany and "tocos grises" in Argentina.
Uses
Spiked water-milfoil is a popular plant for aquariums and water gardens due to its attractive appearance and ability to oxygenate water. It can also be used to treat water pollution as it absorbs nutrients and metals from the water and helps to prevent algal blooms.
In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea and dysentery. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
General Appearance
Spiked water-milfoil has long, feathery, branching stems and submerged leaves that are finely divided and needle-like. The leaves are arranged in whorls of four to six around the stem. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers on a spike-like inflorescence that emerges from the water's surface during the summer months. The plant's overall appearance is dense and bushy, with the stems densely packed with leaves branching off in all directions.
It can grow up to 3 meters in length and is commonly found in still or slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Light Requirements
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum thrives in full sunlight, making it an excellent choice for ornamental aquaria that are exposed to direct light. In the wild, the plant grows in shallow waterways and lakes that receive abundant sunlight. A minimum of six hours of bright light each day is necessary for optimal growth. Insufficient light will cause stunted growth and leaves that are smaller and paler than normal.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it a versatile option for aquariums and outdoor water bodies. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius, but it can survive in temperatures ranging from 4 to 30 degrees Celsius. If temperatures drop below 4 degrees Celsius, the plant will become dormant, reducing its growth rate. During warmer months, the plant's growth rate will increase, stemming from its ability to photosynthesize more efficiently.
Soil Requirements
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum grows well in loose, nutrient-rich substrate. Sand, gravel and loam all work well for this species. It is a rootless plant, so the substrate will primarily serve as an anchor to keep the plant in place. The substrate depth should be approximately 8 inches as this will allow the plant to take in more nutrients from the surrounding water while also allowing it enough depth to anchor and grow. Water hardness should also be taken into consideration as the plant prefers water that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation methods
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum (Laestad. ex Hartman) Hartman, commonly known as spike watermilfoil, is a fast-growing aquatic perennial plant that can be found in various bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. If you want to cultivate this plant, it is important to understand that it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. It is also essential to use a good quality aquatic soil that can retain moisture while allowing for aeration, and place the plant in a container or pond that is large enough to sustain its growth.
Watering needs
The spike watermilfoil plant is an aquatic plant, which means that it thrives in water. It is important to ensure that the water temperature is between 20 and 25°C, and the pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant needs consistent watering, which should be done by submerging the container or pond in water, making sure that the leaves are not submerged. The water level should be maintained to ensure that the plant roots are always in contact with water.
Fertilization
Spike watermilfoil plants require a highly nutritious diet to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer that is formulated specifically for aquatic plants. Ensure that you read the instructions on the fertilizer package and add the correct amount of fertilizer to the water, as excess fertilizer can be harmful to the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding in spike watermilfoil plants. It is recommended to cut back the plant by one-third of its overall size once it has reached its maximum height. This should be done during the growing season to stimulate new growth. Ensure that you use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid any damage to the plant's stem. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum (Laestad. ex Hartman) Hartman, also known as the European watermilfoil, is a perennial aquatic plant that spreads mainly through vegetative growth. It is an excellent plant for oxygenation and filtration, making it a popular choice for aquariums and water gardens.
Vegetative Propagation
The most common method of propagating European watermilfoil is through vegetative propagation, which involves taking stem cuttings and planting them in the substrate. The best time to do this is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a healthy stem with at least two leaves and plant it in a substrate with good drainage. The substrate should be kept moist and the cutting should receive enough light to grow. Roots will begin to form within a few weeks, and the plant will grow quickly.
Division
Another way to propagate Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum is through division. This can be done by carefully removing the plant from its container and separating the individual stems into viable sections. Each section should have at least two leaves and a healthy root system. The separated sections can then be replanted in new containers or directly into the substrate.
Seed Propagation
While it is possible to propagate European watermilfoil from seed, this method is less common because the seeds are not always available and can be difficult to germinate. If you choose to propagate from seed, you should collect the seeds in the fall and sow them in a substrate with good drainage. Keep the substrate moist and at a temperature of around 70°F. Seeds should germinate within a few weeks, and the plants can be grown in containers or in the substrate.
Disease and Pest Management for Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum
Myriophyllum spicatum L. var. squamosum, also known as the European watermilfoil, is an aquatic plant that can be found in lakes, rivers, and streams. Like any plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Myriophyllum spicatum is the water mold Saprolegnia. This fungus-like organism can grow on decaying plant matter and can cause decay and wilting in healthy plants. To manage Saprolegnia, it is important to maintain good water quality by ensuring adequate oxygenation, minimizing nutrients and pollution, and avoiding overcrowding of plants.
Another disease that can afflict Myriophyllum spicatum is Phytophthora, a type of water mold that causes root rot. Infected plants may show stunted growth or yellowing leaves, eventually leading to death. To manage Phytophthora, it is important to prevent waterlogging of plants and maintain good water quality. Plants that are already infected should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Myriophyllum spicatum can also be affected by a variety of pests, including snails, mites, and insects. Snails can feed on the leaves and stems of the plants, causing damage and even death. Mites can also cause damage to the leaves by sucking sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting. Insect pests, such as the water lily leaf beetle and the water hyacinth weevil, can also cause damage to Myriophyllum spicatum.
Pest Management
To manage pest infestations in Myriophyllum spicatum, it is important to monitor plants regularly and remove any signs of infestation as soon as possible. Physical barriers, such as mesh nets, can be used to prevent snails and other larger pests from accessing the plants. Insect pests can be controlled through the use of insecticides or biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps.
Overall, proper maintenance and management of water quality can go a long way in preventing and managing diseases and pests in Myriophyllum spicatum. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help ensure the health and vitality of these important aquatic plants.
