Author Topic: The Parrot Feather Divide....Got Red Stem PF from bonnie! (Read 5450 times)

miguynmkoi · « **on:** October 17, 2007, 05:53:55 PM »

I received a generous amount of Parrot feathers from Kat in August, now it has grown kcrazzzeeee. It's just sitting in a tub, no dirt and roots every where. It needs a trim for the winter. Normally Parrot feather sits in the pond all winter long in our climate.

Should I just make cut about 12" long and tie the ends together in a bunch and sink it?

I'd like to make more bunches for trade or spread around all the ponds by spring.

Bonnie · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2007, 06:18:11 PM »

Yep, You can cut it off at any length and it will root and grow..
PF is one of my favorite pond plants, especially Red Stemmed PF!

Koi Boi · « **Reply #2 on:** October 17, 2007, 06:54:21 PM »

I agree with Bonnie on this one.

Paul

Ky Kim · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:01:03 PM »

Kewl, well have a good place to get some next year.

Kim

happyoutsidegirl · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2007, 04:58:11 AM »

Oh me me! I would love to get some in the spring. I must have something you would like to trade for?

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2007, 08:18:33 AM »

Thanks Everyone! Red stem sounds very interesting, Bonnie. I'll have to keep my eyes open for that one.

If the cuttings make it through the winter I should have lots to send to new homes. I'll keep you all posted!

Bonnie · « **Reply #6 on:** October 18, 2007, 05:09:27 PM »

Quote from: miguynmkoi on October 18, 2007, 08:18:33 AM

Thanks Everyone! Red stem sounds very interesting, Bonnie. I'll have to keep my eyes open for that one.

If the cuttings make it through the winter I should have lots to send to new homes. I'll keep you all posted!

It's smaller and doesn't spread quite as much as regular, plus has red stems of course. I like both..

I don't have much extra but would be glad to send you a start of it for postage,
I could also throw in some Violet Stem and /or Imperial Taro, Asian Water Grass and Umbrella Palm if you are interested....

Just let me know.

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #7 on:** October 18, 2007, 05:26:12 PM »

The red stem would add a new color to my pond. I'm thrilled! I'll PM you.

Thank you for your generosity.

Bonnie · « **Reply #8 on:** October 18, 2007, 05:50:22 PM »

Quote from: miguynmkoi on October 18, 2007, 05:26:12 PM

The red stem would add a new color to my pond. I'm thrilled! I'll PM you.

Thank you for your generosity.

You're very welcome just remember that it will be a small start but as you know it will groooow! Just giving a piece of love back to someone, LeeAnne sent this to me this summer!

PM back at ya, let me know if you want the others.. I suggest to try the asian water grass, it's neat!

spanishleprachaun · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2007, 01:26:19 PM »

Yuppers,... just trim to what ever length-- it will grown back from cuttings.

I threw away 4 garbage bags full a couple months back from a pond I cleaned. STUFF WAS ALL OVER !!! You don't even want to know how many watercannas, and pickeral went out ! Shesh !! there was another 4-5 garbage bags.

El Jefe · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2007, 06:09:51 PM »

Sheesh you got me to thinking..

.. I may well give this a try, I almost did this earlier this year. But now that I know the red is slightly less invasive

I may have to give it a try.

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2007, 06:27:57 PM »

Carlos you got me thinking...

Is the parrot feather plant poisonous or do you think my turtles can or will eat it. I cannot toss out plants. It would probably hurt me more than the plant

Thanks for the nice reference photos Andy. Now I have to have some red parrot feathers.

Look what you started!

mascot · « **Reply #12 on:** October 19, 2007, 10:46:10 PM »

I divided my parrot feather a few months ago:

spanishleprachaun · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2007, 07:10:44 AM »

I had a clutch of map and red eared sliders hatch out near the front pond. I was called over to come and round em up. I built a little " turtle zone" in the holding pond in the back. I put in there some parrot feather and water hyacinth....blue pickeral. They picked at the parrot feather all day. Loved chomping it and the small snails that called it home. The did fine. I'll have some pics for you later tonight;)

El Jefe · « **Reply #14 on:** October 20, 2007, 07:58:54 AM »

That is hillarious

Parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Parrot feather is an herbaceous aquatic plant that grows to a length of 6.5 to 16 feet. Its stems are greenish blue with numerous small leaves that resemble feathers. Emergent stems are bright green in color and can reach up to a foot above the water surface. Parrot feather provides ideal mosquito larvae habitat and shades out algae that serve as the basis for the aquatic food chain. Infestations can also hinder water movement in lakes, ponds and streams. It has naturalized throughout southern states and northward as far as Idaho, Washington and New York. It grows best in still waters such as lakes, ponds, quiet streams and drainage ditches, but is able to survive in rivers. Vegetative reproduction is the only dispersal agent because female plants are not found in the United States. (I found that last little bit particularly interesting)

After searching through the internet I have not found anything that says it is poisonus to animals, doesn't mean it is it is not just means it does not appear to be.

Andy

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2007, 09:23:38 AM »

Funnnneeee! Blind 'Too you've got it right! Proves you need the right kind of Parrot Feathers to divide. No wonder I couldn't get it!

Mine aren't Parrot Feathers!

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20, 2007, 09:47:02 AM »

Carlos that's good to know. I'm sure my turtles would eat all I have that grows in the ponds. I find that my pets who've never been on their own would eat anything and everything, good or bad for them. I would have to figure out what made them sick or dead. Definitely no fun for them or me.

Quote

female plants are not found in the United States

Until I got this batch of Parrot Feathers from Kat, the store bought kind I had must have been all male

Maybe ponders in other countries would like to swap.......

Quote

Parrot feather provides ideal mosquito larvae habitat

No wonder the feeder fish I have in this particular lily pond are way bigger than the other ponds without PF! Thanks Andy, that's interesting stuff to know!

El Jefe · « **Reply #17 on:** October 20, 2007, 06:17:43 PM »

The more I read the more unsure I am about introducing it into my pond. Still I think the red stemmed is outstanding! just afraid it will be to aggressive. I found the red version in two of the places that I trust when buying plants and it wasn't real expensive. If you want to purchase soem I will post the link.
Andy

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #18 on:** October 20, 2007, 08:34:58 PM »

Hey Andy, I would be a bit wary about putting parrot feather in your natural bottom pond. Mine are free of dirt in a lined pond. The ones I bought from the pond stores nearby never made a big hit growing wise, but the single thick branch that Kat gave grew like crazy. In fact my store bought ones never stood out of the water as well as Kat's either.

Bonnie is sending some red stem PF, I can't wait to see them. It will be a nice addition.

I'd still like to see the link and check out what else they have. Thanks!

happyoutsidegirl · « **Reply #19 on:** October 21, 2007, 09:00:59 AM »

Now that I have peed my pants and wipped the tears from my eyes, Thank you Blind too I needed a good laugh. I can't have the reg. parrots feather here(except Blind Too's kind) but I can have the Red Stem. It is not illeagel here. Sooooo if any one would like to put me on there spring devide list I would be soooo happy. I will pay you or trad you????

Andy, it is illeagel here for that reason. It takes over intier lakes. We have the Millfoil problem in our lakes and I think they are very simmalur.

mascot · « **Reply #20 on:** October 21, 2007, 10:40:21 AM »

No prob, Debbie, always happy to make people cry and pee their pants! uh...is that a bad thing?

Annette...just and FYI....cockatiels are parrots, they are classified as the Cacatuidae family, and are the only parrots that use their feathers to cover their beak (a sign of contentment/at ease status). So, yes...you actually posted a picture of parrot feathers!

Anyway, sorry to hijack this thread with the other kind of parrot feathers. I do have parrot feather in my pond and it's been doing well. I bought some more than a year ago and it hasn't taken over, but it does stick around over winter here. I had some of the red stem and it didn't last...not sure why.

Esther · « **Reply #21 on:** October 21, 2007, 11:36:24 AM »

Funny you guys. I like this kind of thread. It's like being in a group of people having a conversation. I don't think there is anything wrong with changing the subject or hijacking a thread at all. We can always bring it back to the original subject if we want to.

Bonnie · « **Reply #22 on:** October 21, 2007, 11:55:17 AM »

Quote from: Esther on October 21, 2007, 11:36:24 AM

Funny you guys. I like this kind of thread. It's like being in a group of people having a conversation. I don't think there is anything wrong with changing the subject or hijacking a thread at all. We can always bring it back to the original subject if we want to.

Yep.. we had a History teacher who was very easy to get OT and we loved his class!

Personally I would grow PF in a mud pond if I had one.. as we know this is no biggie to pull out but that's personal opinion I guess..
Now if it was something such as a Lotus that would be a whole different story unless you were wanting a lotus pond but we know once you plant them freely in a pond, you'll never be free of them again without alot of hassle.

Pa Nancy · « **Reply #23 on:** October 21, 2007, 11:56:35 AM »

Sheesh I wished mine would grow like that. Mine all died. :'( I have one very nekkid strand left.

mascot · « **Reply #24 on:** October 21, 2007, 12:25:04 PM »

Quote from: Esther on October 21, 2007, 11:36:24 AM

Funny you guys. I like this kind of thread. It's like being in a group of people having a conversation. I don't think there is anything wrong with changing the subject or hijacking a thread at all. We can always bring it back to the original subject if we want to.

Thanks...that's what I've always felt this should be... like a bunch of people talking. I've been on forums where people are very passionate about staying "on topic" and guess why I'm not there anymore? I suffer from ADSA disorder (Adult Distraction Smart Ass). I'm kinda like you are, Esther....if whatever I post elicits a reply and an ensuing conversation, regardless of the subject...I'm happy.

That said, here's the kind of lotus pond I'd have:

ups....did it again, didn't I?

Mikey · « **Reply #25 on:** October 21, 2007, 12:40:18 PM »

Now that's my kind of lotus

Sometimes while talking with someone I will have a specific thought in mind but I first give some background information for my main thought. Then when I finish with laying the groundwork for my main thought I find I can't remember what my main thought was....

I sometimes think I the phrase "Lost my train of thought" was made just for me....

When I loose my train of thought and say, "Darn, I just lost my train of thought.", the fetching Mrs. Mikey is quick to respond, "I'm sorry honey, but I don't think your train ever left the station."

Esther · « **Reply #26 on:** October 21, 2007, 12:43:43 PM »

BToo. That is every man's dream pond I think.

And Mikey, you must be getting old. I'm still trying to bring a word out of my dictionary since last night. Now I can't remember what I was saying and needed the word for. LOL It just bugs the daylights out of me when that happens.

Mikey · « **Reply #27 on:** October 21, 2007, 02:26:22 PM »

My memory is so bad that even when I make a quick note on a Post-It I will later see the note and because it is often just a single word to remind me of something I sometimes still can't remember what the note means.....or what it was to remind me of...... Right now I'm looking at a Post-It stuck to my monitor and it reads, "turtle". I have no idea why I wrote that note. I will likely toss the note in a few days and then a week or so later I will remember what that note was for.....

mascot · « **Reply #28 on:** October 21, 2007, 03:21:34 PM »

I always take important items and put them in an important spot so I won't lose them.

but now I've forgotten where that important spot is and I can't find anything.

miguynmkoi · « **Reply #29 on:** October 21, 2007, 04:19:47 PM »

Quote

That said, here's the kind of lotus pond I'd have:

Thanks Blind'Too! Finally something my husband would agree on Ponders with you although he would prefer a yell lotus

AND I'm glad you threw in your parrot feathers. I've been sharing this particular post with non ponders who KNOW me.

When we have fun on this forum it leaves a lasting good mood on me for a long while....just part of my obsession with Ponders!