Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum)

Hornwort grows fast and adapts to almost anything, which makes it a go-to plant for both new tanks and established ones. Its dense, feathery whorls of bright green, needle-like leaves fill in quickly, giving fish and shrimp cover while pulling nutrients away from algae.

Found naturally in freshwater on every continent except Antarctica, Hornwort can be planted in substrate or simply left to float at the surface. It handles a wide range of water conditions, low to high light, and needs no CO2, so it's forgiving even under less-than-ideal setups.

Whether you're cycling a new tank, giving fry somewhere to hide, or just want a plant that grows fast with little input, Hornwort is a reliable workhorse in virtually any freshwater setup.