Ceratophullum Demersum

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific name: Ceratophyllum demersum
• Common name: Hornwort
• Family: Ceratophyllaceae
• Plant type: Fully aquatic, free-floating plant
• Growth rate: Very fast
• Difficulty: Very easy (beginner-friendly)

🍃 Appearance

• Long, thin needle-like leaves arranged in whorls
• Bright to dark green color
• No true roots (floats freely in water)
• Forms dense bushy underwater clusters

💡 Aquarium Requirements

• 💡 Light: Low to high (very adaptable)
• 🌡️ Temperature: 18–28°C
• 💧 pH: 6.0–7.5
• 🌱 Substrate: Not required (floats freely)
• 🫧 CO₂: Not needed

🌱 Care Tips

• Grows extremely fast → needs regular trimming
• Can be left floating or gently anchored
• May shed needles if conditions change suddenly
• Great for absorbing excess nutrients (helps reduce algae)

✂️ Propagation

• Simply cut stems and replant or float them
• Every piece continues growing

🐠 Aquascaping Use

• Background or floating plant
• Excellent for new tanks (cycling tanks)
• Provides shelter for fry, shrimp, and small fish
• Helps maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates

⭐ Why Aquarists Love It

• Extremely hardy
• Grows in almost any condition
• Natural algae control plant
• Perfect for beginners and breeding tanks