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Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter

Long feathery rootless stems on a fast-growing algae-suppressing aquarium plant

Regular price
£7.99
Regular price
Sale price
£7.99
    Quick Facts

    Rating:

    Common name: Horwort, cedar moss, coon tail, horn weed, morass weed, rigid hornwort,

    Origin: Europe/Asia

    Position in Aquarium: Background and Floating

    Grows up to (cm): 60 cm

    Pot Size:

    Growth rate: Fast

    Description

    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) is one of the most widely kept aquarium plants in the world, producing long, branching stems of feathery, dark-green whorled needles. It is a rootless plant — absorbing all its nutrients directly from the water column — which means it can be floated freely at the surface or gently anchored in the substrate to create a background effect.

    It is extremely easy to grow, tolerating a wide range of water conditions, temperatures, and light levels. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent nutrient absorber, helping to suppress algae in both new and established aquariums. It also releases natural growth-inhibiting compounds that can help keep certain types of algae in check.

    Supplied as established cuttings, Hornwort is particularly valuable for aquariums housing fry or shrimp, as its dense, feathery growth provides natural shelter and grazing surfaces. It is equally useful in pond set-ups and coldwater aquariums where few other plant species will thrive. We recommend using lead weights to anchor these stems down.

    Plant Sizes

    You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.

    Shipping

    Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.

    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter
    Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) – Fast Growing Algae Fighter

    Customers praised this fast-growing oxygenating plant for arriving healthy and vibrant. "Very fast growing plant" that helps with water conditions and algae control. However, some noted concerns about hitchhiker snails, difficulty anchoring without roots, and small quantities. A few reported fish eating the delicate foliage quickly.

    • Very fast growing plant. Arrived quickly and in good condition.
    • Great looking plant in my tank. Great shelter for shrimps and fish.
    • What a lovely plant, with its delicate feathery appearance!
    • 5 stars: 57 (74%)
    • 4 stars: 13 (17%)
    • 3 stars: 5 (6%)
    • 2 stars: 1 (1%)
    • 1 star: 1 (1%)
    S
    Scott G.

    Plant arrived quick relatively healthy but dislike that plants aren't rinsed off to make sure no hitchhikers i had a number of Malaysian trumpet snails on mine always ensure you rinse your plants before you place them

    A
    Anonymous (Wickford, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Waiting to see the plantg row

    Plant arrived next day looking fresh in sealed bag. However, plant was individual strands and not secured together as one plant. It took 3 attempts to secure the plant into the substate. Hopefully the plant will now root & grow.

    V
    Visionman (Reading, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Great service

    Plant came on time and was healthy with no yellow bits on it.Instructions were very clear on were to place it and how big it will grow.

    A
    Anonymous
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Good quantity sent

    Planted the amount received into 4 Aquariums in the hope it will grow quickly, to assist in my phosphate issues

    B
    Beverley H. (Bicester, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Great plant

    Very fast growing plant. Arrived quickly and in good condition.

    Hi Beverley, we're so glad you love the hornwort! Thanks for sharing your positive experience. Enjoy your healthy, fast-growing plant!

    K
    K.R.F.

    They’re so cute and so helpful with the water conditions

    B
    Brigit

    Atmospheric! Will be ordering more as background for my goldfish

    E
    Etsy c.

    Quick delivery thank you x

    C
    Chris

    Nothing but the best from this company

    M
    Mag (Edinburgh, GB)
    Great plant

    Great looking plant in my tank. Quick delivery, plants from Aqua Essentials are high quality. Also, hornwort is super easy. Great shelter for shrimps and fish.

    R
    Raymond W. (Preston, GB)
    Hornwort

    Healthy plant, good size. Very pleased

    G
    Gillian S. (Rossendale, GB)
    Delicate and different

    What a lovely plant, with its delicate feathery appearance! It has settled in well a week after delivery, and was today introduced to the fishes in the other tank! I haven't tried Hornwort before, but, like Elodea, it doesn't take up much room without a plant pot, so if it does well I may choose this again.

    K
    Kayley M. (Belfast, GB)
    Ceratophyllum demersum (Hornwort)

    I love this plant, I recieved a generous amount of cuttings for the price, they are all healthy and beginning to grow in my tank

    A
    Abbie F. (Glasgow, GB)

    Unfortunately the plant took over a week to arrive which was down to delays with Royal Mail. I was expecting the plant to be pretty damaged but it was completely unsalvageable. It was packed in a sandwich bag with a bit of water and was broken up into tiny bits which were basically impossible to pin down in my tank. On top of this most of it had gone brown and died off. I would recommend if you’re thinking of buying to be mindful that Aqua Essentials don’t offer refunds or replacements if there are problems with Royal Mail delivery as i spent about £7 + £5 shipping for a plant which is completely unusable. I also had no reply to the emails I sent their customer service address.

    E
    Elaine C. (Norwich, GB)
    cold water plant

    very healthy plant arrived on time and well-packed. Very pleased

    C
    Caroline (London, GB)
    Very Healthy

    Love it. So green and healthy.

    K
    Karin K.
    Review

    Love the plants, arrived very healthy. A bit tricky to keep it in the ground as they grow no roots, but I managed with some weights and it's swaying in the current.

    K
    Karin K.
    Review

    Awesome plant.The fish love it as much as I do.Vame as a very strong and healthy plant.Good money for good value.

    B
    Brian W.
    Review

    growing great guns. Really pleased with this.

    K
    Karin K.
    Review

    Beautiful plant.One of my favourite.Came as a very strong and healthy plant.Can't wait to see the plant multiply :).
    Was also very well protected from transport damage.

    J
    Jay S.
    Review

    Fantastic! Plants are super healthy and have also grown very quickly. Have split them up and have 12 plants from 2 within a month!

    K
    Karen H.
    Review

    Oh my goodness how this one spreads and grows . The fish play in it all day. I love it. It looks so pretty in the tank. Only problem is the snails also love it. Was quite disappointed by the snails as I'm sure I read no snails no pests. Not sure which plant the snails came with but they definitely came with the plants as was a complete new set up from scratch. But the plants have more than made up for the snails. Thank you so much for such beautiful plants.

    S
    Sharon G.
    Review

    Was ok but fall apart, fish not interested in these at all, well packaged as always though.

    A
    Amit P.
    Review

    Arrived within a few days in a very well packed large letter box. Plants are high quality and no hitchhikers received!

    N
    Nicole J.
    Review

    The plant was in fine condition and is doing well in the pond but the price is not worth the small amount that comes packed.

    T
    Tracey G.
    Review

    Great delivery, packed nicely. Would use again.

    G
    Graham F.
    Review

    very quick growing plants aways arive in good condition

    M
    Mike H.
    Review

    Very impressed with the service and quality of this plant. I know these are fast growers but i planted it 2 weeks ago at 4 inches and its already 30 inches and looks great.

    M
    Mat W.
    Review

    frondy, and floaty, and hopefully the fish won't eat it! wrapped and dug in and looking great, fish swim around it - must tickle? happy tank, customer and fish

    M
    Michael B.
    Review

    Excellent. Plant arrived quickly in good condition and is thriving. Very happy.

    K
    Kito

    Does this plant need any special soil or substrate? Or can it just be planted in gravel with a weight attached?

    Aqua Essentials

    Hi, without any soil or substrate the plant is unlikely to last very long.

    Product FAQs

    Helpful details before you buy.

    Is Hornwort easy to grow?

    Yes, Hornwort is very easy to grow. It is fast growing, forgiving, and suitable for beginners, making it a popular choice for simple aquarium setups.

    Can Hornwort be floated or planted?

    Yes, Hornwort can be used either floating or planted. It is a rootless plant, so it can be left to float freely or gently anchored into the substrate for a background effect.

    Does Hornwort need CO2?

    No, Hornwort does not need CO2. It grows well in low-tech aquariums, although good lighting and regular maintenance will help keep it looking its best.

    Is Hornwort good for shrimp and fry?

    Yes, Hornwort is excellent for shrimp and fry. Its dense, feathery growth provides natural cover where young fish and shrimp can hide, graze, and feel safer.

    Why is my Hornwort shedding needles?

    Some needle shedding is normal when Hornwort is first added to a new aquarium. Remove any dropped needles and give the plant time to settle into your water conditions.