Tropical hornwort (Ceratophyllum submersum) care guide

Group

Plants

Other names

Tropical hornwort, Soft hornwort

Family

Ceratophyllaceae (hornwort family)

Origin

Europe, Central Asia, northern and parts of tropical Africa, Turkey, Oman, Florida and the Dominican Republic

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

45 cm

Temperature

15–30°C

pH

6–8

Hardness

5–20 dGH

Care level

beginner

Lighting

Moderate light; CO2 not needed

Care

Tropical or soft hornwort is a free-floating, rootless plant of fresh water, often in nutrient-rich water near farmland. It looks like common hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) but is softer and finer: its leaves branch three or four times, ending in 6–8 thread-like tips, where common hornwort branches only once or twice. Let it float or anchor it lightly in the background. Stems typically reach 15–45 cm. It grows fast in moderate light and needs regular trimming, especially in small tanks. It tolerates about 4–30 °C and grows best at 15–30 °C, so it suits tropical tanks as well as unheated ones. pH and hardness are our estimate, not from the sources. Like rigid hornwort it is useful for taking up nitrogen compounds. It has spread to new areas such as Ireland. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratophyllumsubmersum); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Cut a piece of stem and drop it in the water; it grows on. Side shoots can be broken off as new plants.

Compatibility and tank mates

Softer than rigid hornwort, so goldfish and herbivorous fish eat it more readily. Great cover for fry, shrimp and small fish.

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