Hornwort is the name of a plant belonging to the family Polypodiaceae. Hornworts are a diverse group of ferns with characteristic horn-shaped leaves and reproduce by spores. They can be either epiphytes (growing on other plants) or epiliths (growing on rocks or soil). Hornworts are often used as ornamental plants indoors or for landscaping gardens and parks. There is also Hornwort ceratophyllum, a type of aquatic plant suitable for aquariums.
Features of keeping hornwort in an aquarium
Hornwort (Hygrophila polysperma), also known as Indian waterweed or water oak, is a popular plant among aquarists due to its low maintenance and fast growth.
Here are some features of keeping hornwort in an aquarium:
- Conditions of detention. Hornwort is an easy-to-grow plant and can thrive in a variety of conditions. However, it generally prefers moderate water temperatures (24-28°C) and moderate light. Although hornwort can grow in a variety of soils, it's best to use a nutritious soil and add plant fertilizer.
- ReproductionHornwort propagates easily through shoots that appear on the plant's stems. These shoots can be separated and replanted to grow a new plant. Hornwort can also be propagated by seed.
- Height. Hornwort is a fast growing plant and requires regular trimming to prevent the aquarium from becoming overcrowded.
- Fertilizer requirements. Although hornwort does not require any special fertilizers, iron and other microelements can be added in liquid or tablet form to stimulate growth and development.
- Compatibility with Pisces. Hornwort provides shelter and improves water quality, making it a good addition to a stocked aquarium.
- Visual aspect. Hornwort has bright green leaves that can create a picturesque appearance in an aquarium. It also helps fight algae and gain nutrients from the water.
With proper care and maintenance, hornwort can become a beautiful and useful plant in your aquarium.
What types of hornwort are best to grow?
Below are some species of hornwort that are well suited for growing in an aquarium:
- Hygrophila Corymbosa: It has beautiful green leaves and grows quickly, creating a dense green bush.
- Hygrophila Polysperma: One of the most common species of hornwort, it grows easily and prefers bright light.
- Hygrophila Diformis (Wisteria): has lush green leaves and grows well even in low light conditions.
- Hygrophila Stricta: It has narrow leaves and a beautiful green color, making it ideal for creating vertical aquascapes.
- Hygrophila Pinnatifida: It has unusual feathery leaves and looks impressive in an aquarium.
Remember that for hornwort to grow successfully in an aquarium, it is important to provide good lighting, high-quality soil, the addition of liquid and solid fertilizers, and regular water changes.
Also, monitor the water temperature to maintain optimal conditions for plant growth.
Read also about rules for cleaning an aquarium
What kind of aquariums is Ceratophyllum suitable for?
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum) is a popular aquarium plant that offers several benefits and can be used in a variety of aquarium types. Considered a friendly plant, it thrives alongside other plants and fish, creating a cozy atmosphere and adding natural beauty to an aquarium.
Beginner Aquariums: Hornwort is easy to grow and undemanding, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It doesn't require any special care and adapts well.
Aquarium with fish: Hornwort provides shelter for fish and creates secluded resting spots. It also helps improve water quality by removing excess nitrates and nitrites. It can also serve as a spawning site for fish during breeding.
Aquascaping: Hornwort can be used in aquascaping (aquarium design) to create greenery or accents in the aquarium. It is easily shaped and arranged along the bottom or as other decorative elements.
Aquariums with dwarf crayfish and other invertebrates: Hornwort can serve as an excellent hiding place and food source for small crayfish and other invertebrate inhabitants of the aquarium.
Hornwort helps improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients.
Thus, hornwort is suitable for a wide variety of aquariums, but it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of your aquarium.
Read also: DIY driftwood for an aquarium
Tips and nuances
When keeping hornwort in an aquarium, you need to consider several important nuances to ensure its healthy growth and development:
- Lighting: Hornwort prefers bright light, so provide it with enough light to support its growth. However, avoid direct sunlight to prevent the water from overheating.
- Water temperature: Hornwort thrives in water temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius. Maintain a stable temperature in the aquarium to avoid stressing the plant.
- Top dressing: Hornwort doesn't require additional fertilization, as it absorbs essential nutrients from the water. However, if the water is deficient in macro- and microelements, special fertilizers for aquarium plants can be used.
- Trimming: To keep hornwort looking neat and preventing it from becoming overgrown, trim it periodically. The pruned shoots can be used for planting new ones.
- Ventilation: Hornwort can form dense, tangled clumps, which will impede water circulation and aeration in the aquarium. Stir or separate the plants regularly to prevent algae growth and stagnation.
- Aquarium neighbors: Hornwort is peaceful and gets along well with most fish and other plants. However, be careful not to damage its delicate leaves with more aggressive fish.
- Water quality: Hornwort is sensitive to water quality, so regularly check pH, hardness, ammonia and nitrate levels to ensure optimal growing conditions for the plant.
By following these tips and taking into account the specifics of keeping hornwort in an aquarium, you can enjoy the healthy and beautiful growth of this plant.
Read also: aquarium decorating rules
