Pond water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Pond water-starwort, Common water-starwort
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
Europe and North Africa; introduced to Asia, the USA, Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
5–22°C
pH
6.5–8
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 not needed

Care

Pond water-starwort is a perennial water plant from Europe and North Africa that grows in ponds, lakes, slow rivers and streams, and even in brackish salt-marsh pools. Its stems reach about 10–30 cm. Underwater leaves are narrow with a single vein, 4–10 mm long; the leaves that float at the surface are broader, spoon- to egg-shaped, and form neat rosettes. By the late 19th century it was already a popular aquarium plant, and this trade probably helped it spread across North America. It is a plant for coldwater tanks and ponds rather than tropical aquariums: plant bunches of stems in the midground or let it fill the shallow edge of a pond, where the floating rosettes look attractive. It grows readily in good light and forms dense mats, so thin it regularly. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callitrichestagnalis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Very easy. It roots from broken fragments and spreads clonally; simply plant cuttings. It is monoecious (male and female flowers on one plant), can self-pollinate and sets plenty of seed. Fragments are easily carried on nets, boots and boats, so clean equipment before moving between ponds.

Compatibility and tank mates

A soft, fine-leaved plant that goldfish, large cichlids and many herbivorous fish will graze. Safe with shrimp and snails, which mostly pick at algae on it. Best in coldwater tanks and ponds with fish such as minnows, sticklebacks or small goldfish that do not strip it completely; it suits tropical tanks poorly.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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