Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum)

Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum)

Hornwort, also known as Ceratophyllum Demersum, is found worldwide. It is a well-known plant in the hobby. It grows long stems with needle-like and stiff leaves or, in common parlance, the "horns" from where it takes its common name. Hornwort can be used as a floating plant or as an upright stem plant. It does not have roots but when planted, Hornwort produces rhizomes that allow it to attach to the gravel. This plant is a fast grower and many hobbyists use it in fry tanks to provide hiding places for young fish. Because of its fast growth, Hornwort is great for planted aquariums as it will quickly absorb extra nutrients from the water column, preventing algal blooms.

Hornwort can flower and produce seeds. However, the flowers and seeds are small and hardly noticeable. The best and easiest way to propagate hornwort is to snip the stems apart. The separated pieces will just continue growing, creating new plants.    

Caring For Hornwort

Under good conditions, this plant will grow robustly and have light to deep green coloration. It is an easy plant to care for and grow. It does not require any special care or strong lighting but, if provided, the plant will grow fast.

• Minimum Lighting Required: Moderate
• Temperature Range: 59-83°F
• Tank Placement: Floating or Background

The hornwort for sale in our store is one of the easiest plants to start with. Quite literally, you can just put it into your tank, and you are done! The plant should adjust to the new environment very quickly and start growing rapidly.

Plants at Modern Aquarium

When you choose to shop our collection of live aquarium plants and botanicals, every image you see on our site is a true representation of the plant grown in our nurseries and of the highest quality we can provide. Our plants are sourced from the best Florida nurseries and we always have a large selection of plants available for quick shipping to you. And do not forget to complete your aquarium’s aquascape with our driftwood, aquascaping rocks, botanicals, and live aquarium fish.