Water violet (Hottonia palustris) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Water violet, Featherfoil
Family
Primulaceae (primrose family)
Origin
Europe (including Britain) and northern Asia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
10–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Water violet is a native of Europe, including Britain, and northern Asia, naturally a plant of bogs and marshes. It roots in the mud with other roots hanging free in the water, and its finely divided, comb-like leaves stay under water unless the level drops. In ponds it can reach about 80 cm and flowers in May and June. In an aquarium Tropica gives a height of 10–30 cm, with curved shoots and fanned, bright green leaves that form a dense group. Its spreading shape suits a spot between low and tall plants, and the green contrasts well with red plants. Cutting back long shoots makes it bushier from the base. Tropica rates it as easy, with medium growth in low light and without added CO2. Most plants sold are grown above water and need to be submerged gradually to form underwater leaves. It can also be grown floating. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. As a European plant it does best below about 24 °C and also suits coldwater tanks and ponds. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hottoniapalustris); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Propagated from cuttings: cut long shoots and replant them; the base sends up new shoots. It also flowers and sets seed in ponds, and is self-fertile.

Compatibility and tank mates

Goldfish may eat the soft leaves. Suits coldwater tanks and ponds as well as cooler tropical tanks with small fish and shrimp.

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

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