The horn leaf is not a hornwort
Whenever there is talk of horn-anything in relation to clarifying pond planting, the vernacular always slips easily into the hornwort. Hornwort also exists and its species form a whole plant genus with the botanical name Cerastium. However, these are by no means aquatic plants - but this is definitely the case with the horn leaf, botanically Ceratophyllum.
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Horn leaf species are very similar in habit to candelabrum algae. Their long, fir branch-like fronds look very similar to those of the candelabrum algae and also grow submerged, i.e. completely below the surface of the water. As underwater plants without proper roots, they also have the property of absorbing nutrients directly from the water. This makes them very suitable as sewage plants for the middle layers of water in a garden pond.
The most important characteristics of the horn leaf in brief:
- Submerse aquatic plant
- Appearance similar to candelabrum algae
- Fir branch-like fronds
- Absorb nutrients directly from the water - strong water-clarifying effect
The rough horn leaf
A horn leaf species that is particularly relevant for garden pond culture is the rough horn leaf. Its greyish to yellow-green leaves are actually quite rough to the touch and are on the one hand very flexible in the water, but on the other hand they are also sensitive to breakage with mechanical contact. The sometimes reddish accentuated stems with the fork-shaped leaves can be up to a meter long. The Raue Hornblatt also produces inconspicuous flowers and fruits completely under water.
Clever hibernation tactics
Interesting and practical for cultivation in the garden pond: The Raue Hornblatt gets along well in shady areas and is perennial. The upper parts of the plant die in winter. The Raue Hornblatt survives the cold season through wintering organs, so-called turions, which hibernate on the bottom of the water and rise again in spring.
In order not to get any excess nutrients from the sinking, dead parts of the plant, you can use the rough horn leaf Take out yourself in autumn and cut off the shoot tips with the wintering buds and put them in the pond throw back. The rest is composted.
Best cleaning qualities
Like other horn leaf species, the rough horn leaf has excellent water clarification properties. It absorbs a lot of nutrients from the pond water and can thus help prevent algae bloom. This is not the only reason why it is particularly suitable for a fish pond that is particularly polluted with excess nutrients from fish food and excrement. Its fine, densely branched stems also offer the animals good hiding places.
It is better not to combine it with other underwater plants
In general, it is not recommended to cultivate several underwater plants at once in the shallow water zone of a garden pond. This is because they can quickly become tangled up and tangled up in one another. This happens particularly easily with the long, forked branches of the rough horn leaf. If you decide to do it, it would be better to do it in its purest form.
