Tropical Hornwort
ceratophyllum submersum
Also known as: ["Tropical Hornwort","Submerged Hornwort"]
Overview
A submerged aquatic plant with fine, feathery foliage, commonly used in aquariums and ponds for its aesthetic and oxygenating properties.
Benefits & Perks
["air purifying","low maintenance","fast growing","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ceratophyllales |
| Family: | Ceratophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Ceratophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Ceratophyllum submersum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: aquarium, pond, or still water garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Not applicable
- Soil Type: Not applicable (free-floating plant)
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very high
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks or as needed
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours per day; can tolerate lower light but may grow more slowly.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to new light conditions to avoid bleaching or damage. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause scorching. For indoor setups, use LED grow lights to supplement natural light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
very easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct sun; use grow lights if needed; adjust light based on season.
Watering
daily in extreme heat
Ensure complete submersion; maintain water quality; avoid stagnant conditions.
Soil
not required, as it is a floating aquatic plant
pH: Not applicable
Not applicable
Temperature
Prefers water temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82°F); can tolerate slight fluctuations but thrives in stable conditions.
Monitor water temperature; use heaters/chillers as needed; avoid extreme fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–4 weeks during active growth
Use liquid fertilizer; dose weekly; avoid over-fertilization.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy stem.
- Cut below a node.
- Place in prepared water.
- Wait for roots to form.
Best Time: Year-round, but best during the growing season (spring and summer) when the plant is most vigorous.
Environment
Warm, stable water temperature; moderate light; gentle water flow.
Medium
Aquarium water with added liquid fertilizer
Hormone
Not required
Timeline
Roots develop within 1–2 weeks; new growth appears in 3–4 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, clean container
Quick Tips
Use healthy stems; change water weekly; provide bright indirect light.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth; remove dead or decaying parts.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning helps maintain plant density and prevents overcrowding, ensuring adequate light and water flow.
Tools
Sharp scissors, aquarium-safe tweezers
Checklist
Check for dead leaves; trim overgrown stems; remove debris; maintain water flow.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable
Pot Size
Not applicable
Method
Not applicable
Suggestions
Ceratophyllum submersum does not require repotting as it is a free-floating plant. However, occasional water changes and debris removal are necessary to maintain health.
Checklist
Not applicable
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check water level daily; monitor water clarity; ensure full submersion; perform water changes weekly.
How to Apply Water Properly
Ceratophyllum submersum does not require traditional watering as it lives entirely underwater. Focus on maintaining a stable water level and quality, ensuring the plant is fully submerged at all times. Water should be changed or filtered regularly to prevent nutrient depletion and algae growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Ceratophyllum submersum is a fully aquatic plant that requires constant immersion in water. Maintain water levels to keep the entire plant submerged; no specific watering schedule is needed beyond ensuring the water body remains filled and clean.
Soil Improvement
Not applicable
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning tips indicate temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause the plant to become dormant or die if prolonged.
Solution: Maintain water temperature above 18°C (64°F) using a water heater if necessary; avoid placing the tank in cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to rapid water evaporation, algae blooms, and oxygen depletion, stressing the plant.
Solution: Use a water chiller or fan to cool the water; ensure adequate aeration with an air pump; maintain water levels.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check nutrient levels; use liquid fertilizer; dose lightly; monitor plant response.
Fertilizing Method
Ceratophyllum submersum absorbs nutrients directly from the water. Use liquid aquarium fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio (e.g., 5-5-5) and trace elements; dose weekly at half strength during the growing season.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCeratophyllum submersum is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are typically harmful to feline physiology.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCeratophyllum submersum is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCeratophyllum submersum, commonly known as tropical hornwort, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no documented cases of toxicity associated with ingestion of this aquatic plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ceratophyllum submersum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How does this plant benefit aquariums?
A: It oxygenates the water and provides shelter for fish.
Q: Does it require soil to grow?
A: No, it is a fully submerged plant that does not need soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ceratophyllaceae |
| Care: | very easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | daily in extreme heat |
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