Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr.
Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. is a species of water plant in the family Haloragaceae. It is commonly known as whorled watermilfoil due to its whorled leaves arrangement. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa but has become naturalized in many parts of the world including North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
General Appearance
Whorled watermilfoil is a submerged perennial water plant that can grow up to 10 meters in length. The plant has a stem that is slender, branching, and green in color, with leaves arranged in whorls of four to six around the stem. The leaves of the plant are finely dissected and feather-like with a length of 10 to 20 mm. The plant also has tiny flowers that are pinkish or white in color, but they are not significant as the plant mainly reproduces vegetatively.
Common Uses
Whorled watermilfoil is often used for its ornamental value in ponds and aquariums. It provides an excellent habitat for fish and other aquatic animals and helps in oxygenating the water. Some species of whorled watermilfoil are also used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and menstrual problems.
In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, whorled watermilfoil is also a valuable plant for water management. It is a good nutrient absorber and is often planted in wastewater treatment ponds to purify water. It is also used in the restoration of wetlands and streams to stabilize the ecosystem and prevent loss of soil.
Growth Conditions for Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr.
Light: Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. requires moderate to high light intensity for healthy growth. The plant should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct or indirect sunlight daily. Low light conditions can negatively affect the growth of this plant.
Temperature: This plant is native to temperate regions, and therefore requires a temperature range of 18°C – 27°C (64°F – 81°F) for optimal growth. Temperatures below 13°C (55°F) can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant. Extreme heat or fluctuations in temperature can also be harmful to this plant.
Water: Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. grows best in still or slow-moving water with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The plant can tolerate hard water to some extent, but soft water is preferred. The water should be well-aerated to provide sufficient oxygen for the plant.
Soil: This plant does not have traditional roots and is instead anchored by its stem. Therefore, it does not require a substrate. However, providing a nutrient-rich substrate can help promote healthy growth. The substrate should be loosely packed, allowing the plant's stem to penetrate it easily.
Fertilizer: A complete aquatic plant fertilizer can be used to provide nutrients for the plant. However, over-fertilizing can lead to algae bloom, which can be detrimental to the growth of this plant. It is best to use fertilizer sparingly and monitor the plant's growth.
By providing the appropriate light, temperature, water, and soil conditions, Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. can grow healthily and beautifully in an aquatic environment.
Cultivation methods
Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr., commonly known as Whorled Watermilfoil, is an aquatic plant that requires a tropical or sub-tropical climate to grow. The plant can be cultivated in a garden pond, aquarium, or water tank. The ideal conditions for the plant include a temperature range of 72 to 84°F, pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and medium to high lighting levels.
The plant can be grown using seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds should be planted in a nutrient-rich substrate, and the water should be stagnant. Alternatively, stem cuttings can be planted in the substrate and supported with pebbles or rocks until new roots form.
Watering needs
Whorled Watermilfoil requires constant submersion in water to survive. The water level should be maintained to a depth that covers the whole plant. The plant also requires a good flow of water to thrive as stagnant water can lead to the growth of algae and bacteria that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
The plant is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to grow healthy. Liquid fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers can be used to supply the plant with the necessary nutrients. The amount of fertilizer required depends on the size of the pond or tank and the number of plants grown. In general, a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 10:10:10 is appropriate.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Whorled Watermilfoil, but it can help control the growth of the plant and prevent it from becoming too large. The plant can be trimmed to the desired length using sharp scissors or shears. Pruning should be done before the plant reaches the water surface to avoid damaging the new growth.
Propagation methods
Myriophyllum verticillatum var. pinnatifidum can be propagated through several methods such as
Propagation through cuttings
This method involves using cuttings from a mature plant that is at least six inches tall. The cuttings should be taken from the upper part of the plant and should be about 3 to 4 inches long. Place the cutting in a container with water and leave it there until roots grow. Once roots grow, transfer the cutting to a pot with soil or a water garden.
Propagation through division
Myriophyllum verticillatum var. pinnatifidum can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing a mature plant into smaller segments. To do this, you will need to uproot the plant, separate the segments, and then replant each segment in its own pot or water garden. It's recommended to perform this method during spring or early summer.
Propagation through seeds
Propagation through seeds is also possible for this plant. Collect the seed pods from a mature plant, and allow them to dry out and split open. Remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place for at least two weeks. Sow the seeds in a container of soil or directly in a water garden. Water the seeds daily, and place them in a sunny location. The seeds should germinate within two to four weeks.
Disease Management for Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr.
Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. is a plant species that is susceptible to some diseases that can significantly affect its growth and yield. The following are some of the common diseases affecting this plant and measures to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal diseases are one of the most common diseases affecting Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. Some common fungal diseases include downy mildew, rust, and leaf spots. These diseases are caused by different fungi and can cause significant damage to the plant’s foliage, leading to reduced growth and yield.
To manage fungal diseases, use of fungicides can be very effective. Ensure to use fungicides that are specifically formulated for aquatic plants, and apply them at the recommended rates and intervals. Good cultural practices such as regular pruning of infected foliage, removing and disposing off heavily infected plants can also help reduce the spread of fungal diseases.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial diseases can also affect Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. Common bacteria causing diseases on this plant include Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas species. Bacterial infections can lead to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death.
There are no effective treatments for bacterial diseases in aquatic plants. Prevention is the best approach to manage bacterial diseases. Ensure to regularly sterilize all equipment and tools used in the aquarium before and after use. Also, avoid overcrowding plants and maintain good water quality by regularly changing aquarium water.
Pest Management for Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr.
In addition to diseases, Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. is also prone to pest infestations that can cause significant plant damage and loss of yield. The following are common pests affecting this plant and ways to manage them:
Aquatic Snails
Aquatic snails are common pests that can infest Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. They are particularly dangerous to young plants as they feed on the leaves, thereby hindering growth and development. Snail infestations can also damage the roots reducing the overall plant growth.
The use of commercial snail baits that contain copper sulfate or iron phosphate can be effective in snail control. Physical removal of snails and manually removing egg masses can also reduce snail populations.
Aquatic Insects
Aquatic insects such as water fleas, water mites, and diving beetles can also infest Myriophyllum verticillatum L. var. pinnatifidum Wallr. They usually feed on the leaves and can cause extensive damage to the plant.
To manage insect pests, use of insecticides can be helpful. However, ensure to use insecticides that are specifically formulated for aquatic plants, and apply them at the recommended rates and intervals to prevent damage to the plant and aquatic life in the aquarium.
Regular maintenance practices such as pruning infected foliage, maintaining good water quality, and ensuring the aquarium is not overcrowded can also help to prevent pest infestations.
