Description
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum)
A fast-growing, low-maintenance stem plant that can be floated or anchored, hornwort is perfect for beginners, fry tanks, and anyone looking to soak up excess nutrients and keep algae under control.
Hornwort Overview
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a classic aquarium plant found in freshwaters around the world and loved by hobbyists for its versatility and ease of care. It forms long, flexible stems covered in fine, needle-like leaves that give the plant its “horned” appearance.
In the aquarium, hornwort can be kept as a floating plant to create a lush canopy, or gently anchored in the background to form a dense, bushy thicket. Although it does not produce true roots, you can tuck the lower portions of the stems into the substrate or secure them under rocks or decor to keep the plant in place.
Because it grows quickly and pulls nutrients directly from the water column, hornwort is excellent for:
- Providing hiding places for fry and small fish
- Helping to reduce algae by competing for excess nutrients
- Adding instant, vibrant greenery to new or established tanks
Hornwort can flower and produce seeds, but these are tiny and rarely noticed in home aquariums. The easiest way to propagate it is simply to trim and replant. Snip a healthy stem, float it or anchor it, and it will continue growing into a new plant.
Caring For Hornwort
Under good conditions, hornwort grows robustly with a light to deep green coloration. It is very forgiving and does not require special equipment or intense light, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
- Light: Low to moderate (brighter light will increase growth)
- Temperature Range: 59–83°F
- Placement: Floating or background stem plant
- CO₂: Not required
- Difficulty: Easy
- Growth Rate: Fast
Simply place hornwort in your tank—either floating on the surface or gently anchored—and it will usually adjust to its new environment quickly and begin growing. Occasional trimming will help you shape the plant and prevent it from overtaking the aquarium.
Why Buy Hornwort from Modern Aquarium
The hornwort for sale at Modern Aquarium is carefully selected for health, color, and vigor, making it one of the easiest “plug-and-play” plants you can add to your aquarium.
- Top Quality Store: Modern Aquarium has been designated by Google as a Top Quality Store on Google and has over 2,000 individual verified reviews from real customers, so you can shop with confidence.
- Live Arrival Guarantee & Fast Shipping: All of our live plants are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee and are shipped via FedEx 2-Day delivery to help ensure they reach you healthy, vibrant, and ready to grow.
- Trusted Sourcing: Our plants come from some of the best nurseries in Florida and are handled with care from the nursery to your doorstep.
- What You See Is What You Get: Every image on our site is a typical representation of the plants we sell—no unrealistic stock photos. Because live plants are natural products, individual specimens will vary in size, fullness, and coloration.
Complete your aquascape by pairing hornwort with our selection of live aquarium plants, driftwood, aquascaping rocks, and botanicals for a healthy, natural-looking underwater environment.
Reviews (150)
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Hornwort
Posted by Matthew on 5 Jan 2021I had ordered plants from other places and was not impressed at all. This was my first order from here and I was thoroughly impressed. The plants were large and healthy. I will be ordering from here again.
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Easy Plant
Posted by autumn on 29 Dec 2020Even during Covid AND the holidays, my order arrived super fast and all the plants were looking great! Very happy with my order and I will be buying more from this website
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Aquarium Plants
Posted by Robert Lippi on 17 Dec 2020Got my order today of 14 different types of plants. They were all in GREAT shape. Now in the tank and looking beautiful!
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Gorgeous, substantial plant!
Posted by Trevor David Money on 14 Dec 2020NO browning or weak stems ANYWHERE on this hornwort; probably the BEST specimen I have ever purchased online! Planted in the substrate and even with a stronger than average current, they are secure and no breakage!
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Was not sure what to expect
Posted by Cindy Boedefeld on 10 Dec 2020I was tired of buying stuff from the pet stores in my area in St. Charles MO. I tried to buy online through Amazon and was never really impressed with many of the plants I paid for. I this store in New York with good reviews on their plants and went for it! I am very impressed with their directions on doing a quick bleach dip before putting the plants in your tanks. I have 4 tanks that I put multiple of their plants in I have not found any snails or any critters in my tank, but did find some when cleaning them/dipping them so it is really important to read their instructions! The plants are doing well and I have had them a week. Some of the hornwort seem to be browning just a bit but they still seem healthy. I put the Hornwort tanks: 1. with my African Dwarf Frogs/Betta, 2. with Mollies 3. with my male Betta and #4 tank with Tetras and they all seem to do well with it. The only thing I worry about is my frogs because they are nearly blind and I worry about them trying to eat the spikes that drop off the plant. The delivery and packaging was top notch! I also think you get a lot of plant for a "bunch".
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Fast growing
Posted by Unknown on 30 Nov 2020It seemed as though they grew the day of. Fast shipping, fast growth rate, one of the hornworts didn’t seem to enjoy the recommended bleach dip but it recovered quickly. It was interesting that there were 2 different styles of hornwort that came. I’m still not sure if I love that or prefer just one style, but they’re healthy things that my new shrimp love
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Good condition
Posted by O' on 23 Nov 2020arrived in good condition. Nice bunches.
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Honestly, the best
Posted by Elizabeth Eremus on 18 Nov 2020I ordered two bunches for my angel fish and let me just say, they are exceptional. About four very long, established pieces (in each bunch) that were very full and healthy. Quick, same week shipping. Honestly so impressed. This is why I'd never waste money at a big box stores.
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A great classic!
Posted by Anna on 2 Nov 2020Great plants, my baby snails love it!
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Hornwort
Posted by Unknown on 27 Oct 2020Very nice plants, my betta loves to hide in them.
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Small hitchhikers found!
Posted by Bambi Phu on 23 Oct 2020I am in love with my plants! They arrived looking very healthy, with the exception of some browning. I know that’s completely normal though due to the trauma of shipping for the little plants. However, I have one question! I have been soaking my hornwort in lukewarm tap water before I add it to my aquarium. I cleaned them as well as I could to remove any fallen leaves and put them in some glass to soak. When I came to rinse them again and dechlorinate before adding to my aquarium, I noticed a bunch of tiny long narrow crustaceans swimming around and a handful of red roundworms swimming around the bottom. I’m very scared to put it in my aquarium. What should I do?
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Hornwort
Posted by Rodney on 21 Oct 2020Pictured was a full plant, I received pieces banded together, just hope they grow up