Species Southern Prickly Hornwort
green-olive foliage and olive stems

Southern Prickly Hornwort

Ceratophyllum muricatum subsp. australe

Southern Prickly Hornwort (Ceratophyllum muricatum subsp. australe) is a freshwater aquatic plant species found in the southeastern United States. It is an aquatic perennial and grows to a height of about 30 centimeters. Its leaves are narrow, bright green and spiny. Its flowers are small, white or yellowish in color and grow in clusters. The plant gets most of its nutrients from its root system as it floats along the surface of the water. This plant makes an excellent addition to aquascapes as it removes pollutants from the water. It is also an effective oxygenator. The Southern Prickly Hornwort is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and requires little maintenance.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Fragmentation,Asexual Reproduction,Seed Propagation,Clonal Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Southern Prickly Hornwort requires plenty of water to thrive, but should not be allowed to stand in water. Water your Southern Prickly Hornwort when the soil is dry to the touch. It's best to water deeply and regularly, rather than lightly and occasionally. Aim to water between 1-2 times a week, depending on the temperature and humidity of your environment. In hot weather, more frequent watering may be necessary.

sunlight

Southern Prickly Hornwort requires a minimum of 6-8 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. Ideally, it should be placed in a spot that receives both morning and afternoon sunlight. It is best suited for a south-facing location, as this will ensure that it receives ample sunshine throughout the day. If possible, avoid placing it in an area that receives intense heat for long periods throughout the day, as this could damage the delicate leaves.

pruning

Southern Prickly Hornwort (Ceratophyllum muricatum subsp. australe) should be pruned twice a year; once in the late spring and then again in the early fall. To properly prune, start by removing any dead or dying foliage as well as any parts of the plant that have outgrown their desired shape. Pay attention to overgrown or congested areas of the plant and trim back branches and stems to thin these out and promote better air flow. Try to keep the shape of the plant the same after pruning so as not to damage its natural aesthetic. Pruning does not need to involve removing large chunks of foliage – it is generally enough to trim back 2 inches and to remove just the terminal part of branches and stems.