Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum)

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.