How to Plant Parrot Feather in a Pond (Care & Grow Guide)

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how to plant parrot feather in a pond

The Parrot Feather plant, commonly called Brazillian watermilfoil, is native to South America. This is a feathery plant with small leaves and a very gentle look. 

This is a highly popular plant around the UK and throughout the US. But, it can be an incredibly invasive plant, so expect to regularly keep this plant trimmed down to prevent it from choking out other plants in your pond. Also, check whether it is legal to plant it in your area before you purchase it.

The parrot feather is considered one of the most popular decorative pond plants, with many added benefits that include utilizing excess nutrients, oxygenating water, and filtering out pollutants.

Parrot Feather Bunch - 5 Stem Plants

Parrot Feather Bunch - 5 Stem Plants

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Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum Aquaticum) Quick Look

Scientific Name

Myriophyllum Aquaticum

Common Names

Parrot's feather, water-feather and Brazilian watermilfoil

Plant Type

Marginal pond plant

Light Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zone 6 - 11

Bloom

Typically through summer, depending on temperature

Grow Up To

Can reach up to 60" tall in the right conditions

Flower Color

Green, yellow

How to Plant Parrot Feather in a Pond

Parrots Feather can be planted directly in the substrate (or in pots) around the shallow edge of the pond, where it will create a beautiful transition from the pond to the shoreline. We recommend planting Parrot's Feather in pots to help contains their growth.

Parrot Feather Care Guide

Parrot's Feather is a fast grower and will require regular trimming to prevent it from choking out other plants in your pond. Be sure to remove and properly discard any clippings away from the water so they don't decompose in your pond and potentially cause water quality issues.

You can slow their growth by planting them in pots or in shady areas of your pond.

Parrot's Feather is a hardy plant and will typically overwinter in your outdoor pond without a problem (as long as the pond doesn't completely freeze over).

Parrot Feather Bunch - 5 Stem Plants

Parrot Feather Bunch - 5 Stem Plants

Price:
Buy Now on Amazon

Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

Parrot Feather Care Card

Download our free printable care card for the Parrot Feather plant! Click the care card below and save the PDF file to your computer. You can easily print off the 3x5 care card or access it right from your phone. Get all the important information you need to keep your Parrot Feather plants healthy and happy!

Plus, we provide a blank card for you to print and fill out yourself. Print it as many times as you like to create cards for all your plants!

Parrot Feather Care Card

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Parrot Feather Plant FAQs

Can parrot's feather survive winter??

The parrot feather plant thrives in warmer conditions! Once planted, it reaches its peak height within a few months. It blooms in the middle of the summer, and even though a warmer climate suits it, it can survive in the winter too (as long as the pond doesn't completely freeze over).

Where do I buy parrot feather plants?

Because it is extremely invasive, the parrot feather plant is difficult to find throughout the US and impossible to buy in the UK because it is banned from sale there. Amazon often has parrot feather for sale. Alternatively, online and local plant stores and pond supply shops are good places to check.

Is parrot feather toxic?

So far, there have not been any recordings of this plant being poisonous or toxic. This is why it is considered safe for fish and wildlife too.