Hornwort is a useful plant, both in the pond and in the aquarium. It keeps the water clean and slows down excessive algae growth. Some observers also find the long, fine leaves extremely attractive. But how does it get its permanent place in the water?
How do I plant hornwort in an aquarium or pond?
To plant hornwort, place it diagonally in the water, weigh it down with stones or pieces of wood, or tie a bunch together with wire (€5.00 on Amazon) and anchor it in the ground. Submerge it in a deep place in the pond.
Use in the aquarium
If you own an aquarium, you will most likely find yourself in the situation of having to plant hornwort. With its rapid growth, it is ideal for replanting. Hornwort can also reach a height of up to 1.5 m in the aquarium. This should be taken into account when planting. Specifically, it means that it is in good hands in the back area of the pool.
Use in the pond
The hornwort also develops its useful properties in a garden pond, whether small or large. Due to its tall growth, it should be planted in deep parts of the pond. Plant the hornwort against waterweed so that the equally useful waterweed does not multiply too much.
Procuring a plant
A hornwort, or hornleaf, can be purchased commercially or taken from local water. It should be planted as quickly as possible because it only feels comfortable in water. Separated shoots from an existing plant can also be planted for propagation.
Check living conditions
So that the hornwort thrives in water, you should check before planting whether it has ideal living conditions.
- soft water
- with plenty of nutrients
- Temperature above 16 degrees Celsius
- lots of light
Roots of hornwort
The hornwort has no real roots. Rather, it forms root-like extensions. This doesn't make planting easy. If left to its own devices, the hornleaf lives as a floating plant that moves close to the surface of the water.
Planting hornwort
Although the hornwort does not root properly, it does not have to float freely in the water. It can be moored at a specific place. But under no circumstances should you plant it in pond or aquarium soil. The delicate stems will soon decompose and the entire plant will die.
It is possible to keep the hornwort on the ground by weighing it down or tying it down. Do this carefully, as the hornwort tendrils are brittle.
- Lay the horn leaf slightly at an angle
- Weigh down with stones or pieces of wood
- alternatively tie tufts together with wire (€5.00 on Amazon)
- then anchor it in the ground
In the pond, the hornwort is simply lowered into the water in a deep place and left to its own devices.
Tip
The hornwort can grow very tall, but remains narrow. Therefore, plant it in groups to make it stand out better.
