Terrestrial water-starwort (Callitriche terestris) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Callitriche terrestris (correct spelling), Terrestrial water-starwort
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
Canada and the eastern United States
Water
freshwater
Temperature
5–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
expert
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful

Care

The correct spelling of this name is Callitriche terrestris; the list it came from spells it "terestris", and we have kept that as the page name. It is a small water-starwort from Canada and the eastern USA. As the name suggests, this species mostly grows on damp ground rather than underwater, forming low mats on wet soil. Our sources give no details of its habit, size or care, and we know of no reliable record of it growing well fully submerged in aquariums. It is better suited to the damp edge of a pond, a bog garden or the wet part of a paludarium. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callitricheterrestris); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Probably by division of the mat and by seed, like other water-starworts; our sources give no details.

Compatibility and tank mates

Little is known about its aquarium use. Being tiny and soft, it would be eaten by goldfish and herbivorous fish. A temperate plant that suits tropical tanks poorly.

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

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