Hornwort
Ceratophyllum demersum
Ceratophyllaceae
PlantsDifficulty: ●○○○○Data: well-established
About
Hornwort is a rootless, fast-growing stem plant with bushy whorls of needle-like foliage that can be floated or loosely anchored. It is extremely hardy across cold and tropical temperatures, absorbs excess nutrients rapidly, and is one of the best plants for battling algae and providing fry cover. It never develops true roots and may shed needles when adjusting to a new tank.
Care
Float it or weigh a stem down; provide moderate light and trim regularly since it grows very fast. No substrate or CO2 needed.
Diet
A pure water-column feeder that strips nitrate and ammonia quickly, making it excellent for nutrient control and new-tank cycling support.