Hornwort Bunched, <br> Starves algae and protects fish

🌿 Hornwort/Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Looking for a 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 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:

• 💨 This Pond Plant 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 clears 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: Grows great in sun to shade

• Water Depth: Fully submerged

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

• Hardiness: Thrives in a wide range of zones and pond conditions

🌱 Planting Tips

Hornwort is super simple to plant. You’ve got options however this is not a floating plant and can perish in a few days or weeks if left floating. Also make note this plant must stay totally damp or wet, it will dry out in minutes exposed to the air. 

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

2. Pot 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

• 💨 Top oxygenator – one of the best plants to keep your pond healthy

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

• 🐟 Provides shelter – perfect for spawning and hiding baby fish

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

• 🌊 Fully Hornwort submerged – can be anchored or potted

• ❗ Remove rubber bands before planting – keep those pond plant stems healthy

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

Until next time—happy planting and peaceful pond days ahead! 💚🐠