Red Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum brasiliensis) – Top Water Aquarium Plant

Add bold color and soft texture to your aquarium with Red Parrot Feather, a beautiful floating plant known for its fluffy, feather-like leaves and striking red stems. Originating from South America, this fast-growing aquatic plant is perfect for creating shade, improving water quality, and adding a natural, vibrant look to any freshwater aquarium.

Red Parrot Feather thrives as a floating plant but can also be planted in the substrate for a bushy foreground or midground effect. Its dwarf growth habit typically reaches 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm), making it ideal for small to medium tanks.

Overview

Red Parrot Feather features soft, finely divided leaves that create a cloud-like appearance in the water. As it floats, it provides natural shade for shy fish while absorbing excess nutrients that contribute to algae. Its rapid growth makes it especially useful in low-flow or low-tech aquariums.

Key Features

• Vibrant red stems with soft, fluffy green foliage

• Fast-growing floating aquarium plant

• Can be grown floating or rooted in substrate

• Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly

• Excellent for low-flow aquariums

Benefits

• Provides natural shade and security for fish and shrimp

• Helps reduce nitrates and improve water quality

• Adds unique texture and movement to aquascapes

• Oxygenates water through rapid growth

• Great for breeding tanks and fry shelters

Care Guide

Lighting:
Low to high lighting. Brighter light enhances color and growth speed.

CO₂:
Not required. Grows well in low-tech setups.

Water Temperature:
65–89°F (16–32°C)

pH Range:
6.0 – 8.0

Placement:
Floating, Foreground, or Midground

Substrate:
Not required if floating; optional if planting

Growth Rate:
Fast

Care Level:
Easy

Planting Instructions

Floating Method:
Simply place the plant on the water surface and allow it to spread naturally.

Planted Method:
Insert stems gently into the substrate using tweezers. Leave some foliage above the surface for best results.

Trim regularly to control growth and maintain desired shape.

Highlights

• Extremely easy to care for

• Highly versatile growth style

• Rapid propagation

• Very hardy and durable

• Ideal shade plant for aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Red Parrot Feather need CO₂?
A: No. It grows very well without CO₂.

Q: Can it survive in low light?
A: Yes, but color and growth will be better in moderate to high lighting.

Q: Is it safe for fish and shrimp?
A: Yes, completely safe and beneficial.

Q: How fast does it grow?
A: Very fast under good conditions. Regular trimming is recommended.

Q: Can it be used in breeding tanks?
A: Yes! It provides excellent cover for fry and shrimp.

Important Notes

• Floating plants may grow faster than expected

• Regular trimming prevents overcrowding

• Color intensity depends on lighting

• Appearance may vary slightly due to natural growth