Photo: Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Water violet
Hottonia palustris L.
10–20 cm
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
low
CO₂ needs
18–25 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- midground
- Propagation
- cuttings
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
Its divided leaves give this European plant a feathery look. In the wild the clumps stay submerged while the flower stalks rise above the water in spring. Despite resemblances to Limnophila or Myriophyllum, the leaves are not arranged in whorls. It is of interest for a cool-water tank layout.
- Scientific name
- Hottonia palustris L.
- Classification
- Ericales › Primulaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Europe
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Introduced in Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
Outside its native range, in 2 countries:
An aquarium plant must never reach the wild: throwing away cuttings or emptying a tank into a stream can be enough to establish it.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Avoid shade and keep up a regular supply of nutrients, as the base of the shoots can die back when light is lacking. CO₂ encourages vigorous foliage. It prefers cool temperatures and the source advises against staying above 26 °C for long. Side shoots and cuttings let you rejuvenate the group.
Sources:Flowgrow Tropica GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth