Hornwort (Bunched Pond Plant), <br> Starves algae and protects fish

🌿 Hornwort/Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Looking for a pond plant that’s easy, hardworking, and quietly saving the day beneath the surface? Meet Hornwort, also known as Ceratophyllum demersum. This fast-growing, feathery underwater pond plant is like the unsung hero of the pond—oxygenating your water, outcompeting algae, and giving your fish a cozy place to chill.

💧 Why Hornwort Is a Pond Superstar

Hornwort doesn’t just look good growing upwards gently under the water—it’s working 24/7 to keep your pond balanced and beautiful. It:

• 💨 Hornwort adds oxygen to the pond water during the day

• 🧪 Hornwort releases a natural hormone that helps prevent algae

• 🐟 Hornwort creates a safe zone for fish and fry, acting like an underwater jungle gym and shelter

• 💚 Grows relatively quickly, removing nitrites and nitrates, which leads to clearing the water, making it one of the best all-natural water clarifiers out there

It’s perfect for new ponds, fish-filled water gardens, or anywhere you want to keep algae in check and oxygen flowing!

🌞 Growing Hornwort Is a Breeze

• Light Needs: Hornwort grows great in sun to shade

• Hornwort Water Depth: Fully submerged, 1 foot to 4 feet deep, some well arieted ponds can be grown deeper. 

• Hornwort Growth Habit: Long, branching stems that float or can be anchored

• Hornwort Hardiness: This pond plant thrives in a wide range of zones and pond conditions

🌱 Planting Tips

Hornwort is super simple to plant. You have options; however, this is not a floating plant and can perish in a few days or weeks if left unattended. 🌿 Horplease nwort/Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Looking for a plant that’s easy, hardworking, an 

1. Tuck Hornwort 1.5 inches into the loam soil/substrate at the bottom of the pond or plant in a fabric container. 

2. Pot Hornwort in containers using heavy loam, clean sand, or ⅛-inch aquarium gravel
   (Avoid any larger gravel—it’s not hornwort’s thing and will be crushed.)

🛑 Important Tip:
When your hornwort arrives, remove the rubber band before planting. Leaving it on can eventually harm the stems and make the plant float.

🌙 Bonus Advice for Fish Lovers

At night, all plants (including hornwort) take in oxygen instead of releasing it. If you have a high fish load, make sure your pond has good circulation or aeration—especially in the early morning when oxygen levels are lowest.

✅ Key Takeaways about Hornwort for your Pond

• 💨 Top oxygenator – one of the best pond plants to keep your pond healthy and releases oxygen into the pond during the daytime

• 🧪 Hornwort Fights algae naturally – emits hormones that reduce algae growth

• 🐟 Hornwort provides shelter – perfect for spawning and hiding baby fish

• ☀️ Hornwort grows in sun to partial shade – an adaptable and easy pond plant

• 🌊 Hornwort must be fully submerged – can be anchored or potted

• ❗ Remove rubber bands from the bunched Hornwort before planting – keep those hornwort plant stems healthy

Hornwort is your go-to for a crystal-clear pond, healthier fish, and fewer algae headaches. Add some of this pond plant your water garden and let this underwater hero do the hard work for you!

—happy planting and peaceful pond days ahead! 💚🐠