Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Hornwort

Ceratophyllum demersum

It floats silently in still water, a green lace curtain for aquatic life. Aquatic herbaceous perennial; common names: coontail, hornwort.

Partial sun
N/A/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Tolerates low to moderate indirect light; avoid intense direct sunlight that triggers excessive algae growth
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Watering As an aquatic plant, it requires constant clean, still or slow-moving freshwater; avoid stagnant, polluted water
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Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; can tolerate brief drops to 5°C but will die if water freezes
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Whorled, finely divided needle-like leaves arranged in dense clusters around slender stems
  • Stem: Branching, rootless; anchors via thread-like rhizoids or floats freely in water
  • Flower: Tiny unisexual greenish flowers without petals; pollinated underwater
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Care Guide

Watering

Perform partial water changes every 2–4 weeks to maintain water quality

Fertilization

Add diluted liquid aquatic fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent harmful algae blooms

Established Aquarium Water Runoff:Use water from monthly aquarium water changes (free of added chemicals) to top off the tank/pond; avoid water with elevated ammonia levels
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown stems to control density and prevent overcrowding
  • Remove yellowing or decaying foliage promptly to maintain water clarity
  • Thin dense mats to improve water circulation and light penetration for submerged organisms
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity risks

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects from contact or ingestion

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Aquarium oxygenator, pond shelter for juvenile fish, natural algae control