Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum
ABOUT
Commonly known as hornwort, this plant is an aquatic species that thrives in freshwater environments. The appearance of hornwort is notably characterized by its dense, finely divided leaves which often form whorled arrangements along the stem. The leaves are dark green and possess a somewhat bristly texture, resembling the horns of a deer, which is where it draws its common name from. The stems of hornwort are typically long and can branch profusely, giving the plant a bushy, lush appearance when grown in clumps. The stems are flexible and do not have roots in the usual sense; instead, they may anchor themselves to substrates in their environment with modified leaves. Additionally, hornwort has the capability to float freely in the water column owing to its lack of heavy roots and stems. This plant does not produce conspicuous flowers, and its reproductive structures are small and inconspicuous, often blending seamlessly with the rest of the plant. Given its growth habit, hornwort provides excellent habitat and hiding places for small aquatic creatures, particularly fry and invertebrates, which find refuge among the dense foliage. In an aquarium or pond setting, hornwort can be a striking addition due to its lush, feathered appearance and its ability to cast a soft, green hue in the water.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ceratophyllaceae.
Synonyms
Coontail, Hornwort, Rigid Hornwort, Common Hornwort, Coon's Tail, Hornwort Coontail.
Common names
Ceratophyllum apiculatum, Ceratophyllum submersum, Ceratophyllum muricatum, Ceratophyllum echinatum, Ceratophyllum japonicum, Ceratophyllum tanaiticum, Ceratophyllum interruptum, Ceratophyllum submersum var. echinatum, Ceratophyllum submersum var. rigidum, Ceratophyllum submersum var. ambiguum, Ceratophyllum submersum var. leiocarpum.
ToxicityTo humans
Hornwort, commonly known as Ceratophyllum demersum, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion or contact with this aquatic plant typically does not cause poisoning or adverse symptoms in people.
To pets
Hornwort, the common name for Ceratophyllum demersum, is not recognized as a toxic plant to pets. It does not contain known toxins that would cause symptoms of poisoning in animals, so ingestion of the plant should not result in any harmful consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-11
Native area
Worldwide
Benefits
General Benefits- Water quality improvement: Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort) helps in absorbing excess nutrients in the water, reducing the likelihood of algal blooms.
- Oxygenation: It releases oxygen into the water through the process of photosynthesis, providing an essential gas for aquatic life.
- Wildlife habitat: Hornwort offers a hiding place and breeding ground for various aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates.
- Erosion control: By stabilizing sediment with its dense mat of roots, Hornwort can help prevent erosion in the aquatic environment.
- Algae control: Competes with algae for nutrients, thus naturally controlling their growth and helping to maintain clear water.
- Food source: Some aquatic species may graze on Hornwort, making it an integral part of the food web in certain ecosystems.
- Ease of care: As an undemanding aquatic plant, it doesn't require additional CO2 or fertilizers, making it favorable for beginners in aquarium keeping.
- Adaptability: It can thrive in a wide range of conditions, including varying water temperatures, pH levels, and light intensities.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ceratophyllum demersum, commonly known as Hornwort, can be used as a substrate for the growth of microorganisms and invertebrates, offering a food source for aquatic animals in a pond or aquarium setting.
- Hornwort is often used in fish spawning as it provides a safe habitat for the deposit of fish eggs and protection for fry.
- The dense mat of Hornwort can act as a natural barrier to algae growth by competing for nutrients and light, thereby reducing algae proliferation in water bodies.
- In aquascaping, Hornwort is utilized for creating a lush green backdrop that can hide unsightly equipment or tank edges, enhancing the aesthetic of aquariums.
- Hornwort's ability to grow rapidly allows it to be used as a biological tool for water quality experiments by observing its growth response to different conditions.
- Researchers can employ Hornwort in studies of plant physiology, particularly in underwater environments, due to its unique adaptation to submersed life.
- This plant can play a role in erosion control for water bodies as its dense network of roots and stems can help hold sediment in place.
- Hornwort can be used in education as a model plant for studying topics like photosynthesis, respiration, and aquatic plant biology.
- It can also be used in wastewater treatment systems as a component of constructed wetlands, helping to absorb pollutants.
- Hornwort may serve as a thermal regulator in water bodies by shading certain areas and therefore moderating water temperatures during sunny periods.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hornwort is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hornwort is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Coontail, being an aquatic plant that can thrive in various water conditions, symbolizes the ability to adapt and survive through changing environments.
- Purification: It acts as a natural water purifier, representing cleansing and the removal of negativity from one's surroundings.
- Growth: Coontail grows rapidly and can dominate water bodies, which is indicative of unchecked expansion and proliferation.
WaterWhen caring for Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), traditional watering methods do not apply as it is an aquatic plant. Instead, it should be fully submerged in water at all times. Be sure to maintain a consistent water level in your aquarium or pond to compensate for any evaporation. Adding a gallon of water weekly or as needed to maintain the water level should suffice, ensuring that the plant is always fully submerged, which is essential for its health.
LightHornwort thrives best in bright to moderate lighting conditions. It can grow in both shaded areas and under direct sunlight, but it performs optimally when it receives several hours of sunlight per day. The best spot for Hornwort would be in an aquarium or pond that receives indirect light or is situated in a brightly lit room, avoiding excessive direct sunlight which could promote algae growth.
TemperatureHornwort flourishes in water that is between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, making it adaptable to a variety of climates. The ideal temperature range for robust growth is from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Hornwort can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be significantly slower.
PruningPruning Hornwort helps maintain its size, encourages bushier growth, and prevents it from overcrowding the tank or pond. Trim the stems when they reach the water surface or as required to manage plant size and shape. Pruning is best done during the growing season when the plant can quickly recover. There is no strict schedule; instead, prune as necessary while being careful not to remove more than a third of the plant mass at a time.
CleaningNot needed
SoilCoontail thrives best in a variety of aquatic environments without the need for a specific soil mix, as it is a free-floating plant that absorbs nutrients directly from the water. The pH should range between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingCoontail does not require repotting as it does not grow in soil; it is a free-floating plant that can be propagated by simply cutting pieces from the main plant and allowing them to grow independently in water.
Humidity & MistingCoontail is an aquatic plant, hence humidity levels are irrelevant; it thrives submerged in water, making humidity a non-factor for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Coontail in a water-filled tank with ample light.
Outdoor
Place Coontail in a pond or water garden with full/partial sun.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleCeratophyllum demersum, commonly known as Hornwort, typically begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the spring when water temperatures are favorable. The seedling soon develops into a free-floating juvenile plant, which uses its finely divided leaves for nutrient uptake from the water column. As it matures, the plant grows rapidly, often reaching lengths of several feet, and it remains submerged throughout its life, not requiring roots as it absorbs nutrients directly from the water. Hornwort is known for its allelopathic capabilities, releasing chemicals that inhibit the growth of algae and potentially competing plants. It reproduces both vegetatively, by fragmenting where broken pieces can form new plants, and sexually, producing flowers that are pollinated underwater, resulting in seeds that settle to the bottom to begin the next generation. During cooler temperatures or less favorable conditions, Hornwort can enter a dormant state, with seeds or vegetative buds overwintering until conditions improve.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Hornwort, or Ceratophyllum demersum, is a freshwater aquatic plant that primarily propagates vegetatively. The most popular method of propagation for hornwort is by fragmentation. As a hardy plant, it readily breaks into pieces, which can occur naturally or be encouraged by manual snipping of stems. Each fragment, ideally a few inches long, has the potential to grow into a new plant. The best time to propagate hornwort by fragmentation is during the plant's active growth period, typically in the spring and summer months. Once the fragments are obtained, they can be left to float freely or be anchored loosely to the substrate where they will eventually take root and grow. Within weeks, the fragments will develop roots and start to transform into independent plants.