Origin
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén is a sub-species of the aquatic plant Myriophyllum spicatum. The plant belongs to the family Haloragaceae, and it is native to North America, Europe, and Asia; where it can be found in shallow freshwater bodies, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Common Names
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén is known by several common names, including Eurasian watermilfoil, spike watermilfoil, and broadleaf watermilfoil. The plant's scientific name comes from the Greek words "myrios," which means "many," and "phyllon," which means "leaves." The name is a reference to the plant's feathery foliage, which is segmented into many small leaves.
Uses
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén has several uses in both the ecological and medicinal fields. Ecologically, the plant provides shelter and food for aquatic organisms, and it helps to improve water quality by absorbing nutrients and pollutants. The plant is also used for erosion control in wetlands and along shorelines. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various conditions, including diarrhea, dysentery, and painful urination.
General Appearance
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén is a submerged aquatic plant that can grow up to 3 meters in length. The plant has feathery, green foliage that is divided into many segments and arranged in whorls around the stem. The stems are thin and flexible, and they can root at the nodes to form dense mats. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-white in color and grow on spikes at the tips of the stems.
Light Requirements
The plant Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén requires a high amount of light to grow well. It is a light-loving plant that thrives in bright environments. It is recommended to keep the plant under direct sunlight for at least six hours daily. However, excessive sunlight may lead to the growth of algae, which can suffocate the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén is between 18°C to 24°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 4°C to 32°C, but temperatures below 4°C can kill it. If the temperature is too low, the plant growth will slow down, and if the temperature is too high, the plant will become stressed, leading to stunted growth.
Soil and Water Requirements
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén prefers to grow in nutrient-rich soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The soil should be well-draining, and it is crucial to maintain water quality to prevent the accumulation of toxins that can harm the plant. For the best results, the plant requires a steady supply of clean and oxygen-rich water.
Cultivation
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén, also known as Eurasian watermilfoil, thrives in aquatic environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. This plant requires full sun exposure and therefore should be planted in a location with direct sunlight. The recommended planting depth is between 1 and 3 feet.
Watering Needs
Eurasian watermilfoil is a fully aquatic plant that solely depends on water for survival. By being submerged in water, this plant absorbs water and nutrients directly through its leaves. However, when cultivating it in a pond or a lake, it is important to ensure that there is enough water to cover its leaves, as exposure to the air may harm its growth.
Fertilization
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens does not require any special fertilization techniques. However, it is important to ensure that the water in which the plant is grown has enough nutrients, including phosphorus and nitrogen. To achieve this, organic fertilizers such as animal manure and compost can be added to the waterbody.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the growth and health of a plant. With Eurasian watermilfoil, pruning is essential to keep it from becoming invasive and taking over the entire waterbody. The best way to prune this plant is by cutting the stem of the plant about an inch above the water surface. This helps to prevent the plant from spreading through the breaking of the stem. Pruning should be done regularly, such as every two weeks, to keep the plant in good shape.
Propagation of Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén, or simply known as Eurasian watermilfoil, is a popular aquatic plant used in the aquarium hobby. Here are the different propagation methods that can be used to propagate this plant:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most common method of propagating Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén. This can be done through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings can be taken from a healthy parent plant and then anchored into the substrate using weights. Division, on the other hand, involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections, each containing an equal number of stems and roots, and then planting them separately.
Seed Propagation
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén can also be propagated using seeds. The seeds are produced in small, unobtrusive flowers that bloom above the water level. Once the flowers have been pollinated, seed pods will form and mature underwater. The seed pods should be harvested once they turn brown and split open. Afterward, the seeds can be planted into the substrate and allowed to grow.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a method of propagating plants in a sterile environment using a small piece of plant tissue. This method is not commonly used for Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén but may be utilized commercially for large-scale propagation and research purposes.
Disease Management for Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén
Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén, commonly known as Eurasian watermilfoil, can suffer from several diseases that can impact its growth and survival. Some of the common diseases that can affect Myriophyllum spicatum are:
- Red thread: It is a fungal disease that causes pink or red patches on the leaves. The infected leaves become weak and fall apart.
- Brown spot: It is a disease caused by a fungus that leads to brown, irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. The spots grow in size, and the infected leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off.
- Downy mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes whitish patches on the leaves. The affected leaves become distorted and may curl at the edges.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good water quality and prevent overcrowding of plants. Regular monitoring of the plants can help to detect diseases at an early stage. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of diseases.
Pest Management for Myriophyllum spicatum L. ssp. exalbescens (Fern.) Hultén
Myriophyllum spicatum can also attract several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect Myriophyllum spicatum are:
- Snails and slugs: They can cause severe damage to the leaves by eating holes in them.
- Aphids: They can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and become distorted.
- Fish and waterfowl: They can uproot the plants or eat them entirely.
To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain good water quality and prevent overcrowding. Physical barriers, such as netting, can be used to keep fish and waterfowl away from the plants. Insecticides can be used to control the population of aphids. For snails and slugs, handpicking and trapping can be effective. Additionally, introducing natural predators, such as ducks and turtles, can help to control the pest population.
