Hornwort, also called rigid hornwort, coontail, and coon’s tail, is an underwater, free-floating aquatic plant that can be found in bodies of water on every continent except Antarctica. Hornwort grows in bunches of 6 to 12 stalks connected at a single root. These long stems are covered in a feathery whorl of thin, green leaves that more closely resemble needles. The bushy growth of these leaves resemble the tail of a raccoon, hence its nickname. These plants range in color from light to dark green depending on environmental conditions.
Rigid Hornwort Care
Ceratophyllum Demersum



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How to Care for the Plant
Water
Since Hornwort is usually grown fully submerged or floating in the water, it will not need to be watered. The plant will be able to absorb as much water and nutrients as it needs on its own. The most important thing will be to make sure the water in the aquarium is healthy and has proper circulation. Regular water changes and cleaning up of visible debris will be of great help to achieve the ultimate conditions. Water should have some type of flow to encourage circulation.
Pruning
Hornwort should be trimmed weekly or bi-monthly to keep at the desired size
Sunlight
Hornwort grows well with most degrees of sun exposure, from full sun to full shade. However, it may do best if first introduced to a shady area. Hornwort will let you know if it is being to too strong of sunlight by yellowing. If the conditions are too shady, it may thin out and grow more slowly.
Temperature
Hornwort prefers water temperature between 15 and 30° C (59 and 86° F) and can survive outdoors in winter extremes of -2°C (28° F).
Container
If planting in a container, hornwort prefers to be anchored in around 2.5 cm (1in) of clay or sandy loam or 3mm (1/8 in) of fine aquatic gravel.
Additional
Hornwort is considered an invasive and toxic weed in the Australian state of Tasmania and in New Zealand. Hornwort’s fast-growing nature has allowed it to outcompete native freshwater flora, and has been a particular nuisance for the area’s hydroelectric water plants. For some unknown reason, hornwort grows particularly well in the waterways of New Zealand, and plants in certain areas can reach the height of a 3-story building.
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