If you are looking for a plant that can instantly enliven and “refresh” your aquarium, take a look at feather grass. This popular long-stemmed grass looks incredibly airy and graceful, creating the feeling of a light, lacy cloud in the water.
The secret of its beauty lies in its delicate, feather-like leaves, which densely cover the stem. Depending on the species and conditions, the color can vary from pale green to rich emerald, and in some varieties, the tips of the leaves take on a beautiful reddish or coppery hue.
This plant is not just a decoration. It grows quickly, actively consuming excess nutrients from the water, which helps to combat algae. Dense thickets of feather grass provide excellent shelter for fry and small shrimp, making the aquarium more comfortable and natural.
Characteristics
Pterophyllum is a long-stemmed plant that grows to a height of 30-50 cm. The stem of the plant appears strong and sturdy, but in nature it bends easily, following the flow of water. It can be green or brown with a reddish tint. The stem has feathery leaves, grouped in whorls of 3-5.
The color of the leaves can vary depending on the type of plant and the conditions in which it is kept. Everything affects the color—temperature, water acidity, daylight hours, and the presence of dirt on the leaves. The color can vary from light green to brownish-red.
Interestingly, the above-water leaves of the feathery leaf plant differ from those located underwater—they are smaller and stiffer. The plant's root system is poorly developed, with long, very thin roots that spread along the surface of the soil. Feathery leaf plants are usually grown to create beautiful aquarium compositions and enrich the water with oxygen.
Distribution
The earliest documented evidence of the plant's discovery appeared in 1853. The description of the featherleaf was given by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. He noted that the plant's homeland is South America. Today, the featherleaf can be found on almost all continents, with the exception of the Arctic. It prefers freshwater and stagnant water bodies. It can be found at a depth of 1 to 2 meters. In Russia, the featherleaf is found in water bodies in the European part of the country.
Growing and care
The featherleaf is an easy plant to grow. It can be planted in small groups or individually, and it looks equally beautiful next to any other plants. Small fish love featherleaf thickets.
In nature, the plant reaches a height of 30 cm, but in aquarium conditions, it can reach 50 cm. Feather moss is usually planted in the background along the wall of the aquarium. It grows quickly and does not require special care from aquarists.
Water parameters
The featherleaf fern easily tolerates temperature fluctuations, even a drop to 15-18°C will not have a detrimental effect on it. However, the hardness and purity of the water must be monitored.
The featherleaf loves warm, clean, fairly soft, and clear water. If the water hardness increases and water changes are infrequent, the plant's leaves begin to suffer from excess dirt and impurities, and the featherleaf itself gradually becomes diseased and may die.
The plant needs neutral or slightly acidic water with a pH between 6 and 8. Hardness should not exceed 15°.
Filtration in the aquarium is essential. The temperature should be between +17 and +28 °C. Many species of feathery-leaved plants require CO2 for rapid and healthy growth.
The plant should be carefully cultivated in aquariums where there are fish that like to dig up the soil. Particles of dirt settling on the surface of the leaves can cause the plant to die.
Lighting requirements
Peristolistnik needs good lighting, bright and intense—from 0.5 W/l. The recommended duration of daylight hours is at least 12 hours per day. Insufficient lighting can lead to excessive stretching of the plant and a decrease in the saturation of its color. However, with high-quality bright lighting, featherleaf can grow very quickly – up to 2-3 cm per day.
It is not recommended to place the aquarium where it can be reached by sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause dark spots to form on the leaves of the plant.
Soil requirements
Loose and loose soil consisting of rounded particles is ideal for this plant. Since the root system is poorly developed, it is very delicate and thin, with a tendency to form many small shoots.
It is best to use a small layer of moderately silted sand, 2-3 cm thick, as a substrate.
Feather darters like it when the soil is naturally silted up thanks to the activity of aquatic inhabitants.
Surprisingly, the featherleaf plant grows successfully not only when rooted in soil, but also when floating freely in water.
Fertilizer requirements
The plant requires minimal amounts of mineral fertilizers, as it successfully obtains nutrients from the water. Complex fertilizers from any manufacturer are suitable for this purpose.
Ferns are tall, shade-tolerant plants with thin stems and beautiful carved foliage that appears almost transparent in the light. Their leaves can be green, bronze, or purple, depending on the variety. It grows in shady corners near water bodies or in the damp shade of a garden, adding lightness and color. Despite its elegant appearance, the featherleaf is unpretentious and suitable even for beginners.
Reproduction
All types of feather grass can be propagated by cuttings. To do this, choose a healthy plant and cut off the cuttings with a sharp knife. They need to be rooted in the soil immediately.
You can take different shoots:
- Head-shaped. The upper part of the plant is cut off. This is the most suitable option for planting.
- Runner. Side branches are separated.
Some experienced aquarists propagate feather grass differently. After separating from the mother stem, the shoots are left in the water for a while until roots form. Then a hole is made in the soil, into which a clay ball is placed, followed by the cutting. The roots of the plant and part of the stem up to the second rosette of leaves are covered with sand. This method is more difficult, so it is not recommended for beginners.
Types of featherleaf
There are more than 60 species of feathery leaf.
The most well-known among aquarists are:
Tail-shaped
The stem of the plant is covered with whorls of leaves. They are located at a very short distance from each other, with up to 4-5 leaves per whorl. The plant looks fluffy and lacy. It does not like high water temperatures. It grows quickly. Several stems form dense thickets, in which fry like to hide.
Fir tree
An unpretentious plant. It has a poorly developed root system, so it needs a thicker layer of sandy soil – 4-5 cm. The foliage is light green, sometimes with a bluish tint. Does not tolerate hard water well. Likes aquariums with clean, cold water.
Rohrima pinnatifida
It has rich reddish-brown foliage. It reaches a height of 50 cm. It is undemanding in terms of water temperature. It feels better with good aeration and constant filtration. 2-3 cm of sandy soil is sufficient for rooting.
Brazilian
It is undemanding in care and has long, thick stems up to 30 cm long. The foliage is bright green, but when it rises above the water surface, it becomes faded with a gray tint. The plant is perfect for any aquarium.
Spiked
It likes clean, clear, and cool water. Its foliage is dark green. The plant can bloom with small pinkish flowers. Regular pruning is recommended. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes well.
Tuberous, red
It is a beautiful, bright, but capricious plant to grow. Its leaves resemble red-brown pine needles. It likes soft, cool water, which must be clean and clear. It can reach a height of 40 cm.
Pinnatifid is a real find for aquarists who want to create a feeling of lightness and space in their underwater world. Its thin, feather-like foliage grows rapidly, forming lush, airy thickets. The plant not only decorates the aquarium, but also serves as an excellent shelter for small fish and fry.
It is not that difficult to grow. The main thing is to provide enough light and periodically trim overly long stems to stimulate the growth of side shoots. Then the bush will become even denser and more beautiful. The bright color, especially in red species, directly depends on the intensity of lighting and the presence of nutrients in the water.
As a result, by adding featherleaf hornwort to your aquarium, you get a spectacular, fast-growing plant that can transform any background or side view. It will add dynamism, volume, and that very natural look that all live aquarium enthusiasts strive for.
