Ceratophyllum demersum - Hornwort

At a glance

• 5cm pot of Hornwort
• Plant Type: Stem Plant
• Height: 10cm-300cm
• Temperature: 15-30 oC
• Light: Low
• CO2: Not Required
• Ease of Care: Easy

Description

Hornwort grows on every continent on planet earth except for Antarctica. This extremely hardy plant is a favourite among fish keepers for it's ease of growth and versatility in an aquarium or pond.

Hornwort is one of the few plants that will survive with very little fertilization and can thrive with the nitrates produced naturally from your fish or shrimp set up. Like all plants Hornwort will grow quickest in an aquarium that is fertilized regularly and will truly excel in an aquarium with CO2 injection or one that is treated with CO2.

Hornwort may survive in low light aquariums as well but will appreciate having a stronger lighting set up.

Hornwort, unlike many stem plants, will thrive either planted into substrate or left to free float in an aquarium or pond. Bare in mind that free floating Hornwort will rely solely on the nutrients in the water so if you are planning on growing Hornwort as a free floater then consider using a fertilizer such EasyLife Profito.

Hornwort is perfect for breeding set ups as it's brush like structure will offer perfect refuge for fry.  Additionally ,when left to free float, it acts as a light diffuser offering more shaded areas of the aquarium for shade loving species such as Mosquito Rasbora. 

In nature ponds it will act as an ideal oxygenating plant and is a wonderful alternative to the Common Pond Weed (Elodea Densa). It will also give your tadpoles and baby newts refuge from predators in the spring, increasing the chances of juveniles reaching maturity.

Weather in a pond or aquarium, Hornwort should be regularly cut back to reduce the likelihood of stems becoming strings and also to stop the body of water being 'choked' with plant.