Hornwort-Coontail [Ceratophyllum Demersum]

Ceratophyllum demersum — Hornwort / Coontail

A fast-growing, rootless plant you can float or anchor — an algae-fighting favorite for tanks and ponds

Hornwort (also known as Coontail) is one of the best all-around plants for both fish tanks and ponds. Its fluffy, pine-needle-like foliage grows fast and acts as a natural water purifier, soaking up excess nutrients to help keep water clean and clear. It usually floats at the surface, but can also be anchored for a soft, bushy underwater look with long, branching stems. With dense foliage much like Water Sprite or Java Moss, it's a favorite refuge for baby fish and shrimp. Hardy, adaptable, and undemanding, it's a genuinely easy plant that thrives in tropical aquariums, cold-water tanks, and outdoor ponds alike.

AQUASCAPING TIP: The easiest way to grow Hornwort is simply to let it float — it has no true roots and thrives at the surface, growing fast and drawing nutrients straight from the water. To grow it "planted" for a bushy bottom look, gently anchor or weigh down the base rather than burying it deep (buried stems tend to rot). Its rapid growth makes it a natural ally against algae, especially in new or cycling tanks. Trim as needed to keep it in check.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) It's shedding needles everywhere after I got it — is it dying?

= Almost certainly not — this is Hornwort's most famous quirk. It reacts to changes in temperature, lighting, and water parameters by dropping its needle-like leaves, especially when it's first introduced to a new tank, sometimes shedding a lot of them and creating a temporary mess. It looks alarming but is completely normal and doesn't mean the plant is dying. Give it time to acclimate to your tank's conditions, net out the loose needles, and keep it in the water — it will settle in and push out fresh new growth, then grow fast once adjusted. Don't throw it out over the initial shed.

(Q) Should I float it or plant it — and why doesn't it have roots?

= Here's a key thing about Hornwort: it has no true roots, so it's naturally a floating plant. Floating at the surface is the easiest and most common way to grow it — it thrives that way, drawing nutrients straight from the water, and it's ideal for shade and cover (great for fry and shrimp). You can also grow it "planted" for a bushy underwater look, but since it doesn't root, you'll need to gently anchor or weigh down the base rather than burying it deep (buried stems tend to rot). A plant weight, or wedging the base among rocks or décor, works well. Either way, it grows quickly and fills in fast.

(Q) Does it help with algae, and can I use it in a pond?

= Yes to both — these are the two big reasons it's so popular. First, it's a fast-growing nutrient sponge: it rapidly soaks up excess nutrients from the water, "scrubbing" it clean and helping to outcompete and prevent algae, which makes it fantastic for new or cycling tanks and for keeping water clear. Second, it's remarkably cold-tolerant and hardy, making it one of the best plants for outdoor ponds and cold-water tanks (like goldfish setups) as well as tropical aquariums — few plants are this versatile across setups. As a bonus, its dense foliage gives baby fish and shrimp a safe place to hide.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Hornwort/Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) bunch, ready to float or anchor on arrival. It's rootless, so it floats naturally — or gently weighs down the base to grow it planted. It may shed some needles as it adjusts to your tank; this is normal and it regrows (see the FAQ). Great for aquariums and ponds. Rinse gently before adding. Photos are representative of the species; your specimen may vary slightly.

Ships within 10–15 business days.