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I've got a bunch of Hornwort in my 20 gallon and it's growing like crazy. Wondering how to propagate it properly without messing up the tank. Anyone got tips?

Hornwort is super easy to propagate. Just snip a healthy stem, about 4-6 inches long, and replant it or let it float. It'll root itself in no time. Make sure your lighting is decent, around 2 watts per gallon, and you're golden.

Yep, what MikeyKid said. I've had success just letting the cuttings float. They'll grow roots and you can plant them later if you want. My tank's got moderate light and they're thriving.

If you're planting the cuttings, push them gently into the substrate. Hornwort doesn't need roots to grow, but anchoring helps. Keep an eye on your nitrates, too. This plant sucks them up like crazy, which is great for water quality.

Or just throw it in and let it do its thing. Hornwort's basically the weed of the aquarium world. It'll grow even if you forget it exists.

I've had my Hornwort in a low-tech tank with just sand substrate. No CO2, no fancy lights. It's still growing like mad. Just gotta trim it back every now and then.

MikeyKid wrote: ↑Sun Aug 17, 2025 6:41 am Hornwort is super easy to propagate. Just snip a healthy stem, about 4-6 inches long, and replant it or let it float. It'll root itself in no time. Make sure your lighting is decent, around 2 watts per gallon, and you're golden.

Agreed. Also, if you're dealing with high nitrates, Hornwort is a lifesaver. It's one of the best plants for nutrient export.

My Hornwort got so dense it shaded everything else. Had to thin it out weekly. If you're gonna let it float, be ready for some serious maintenance.

I've noticed Hornwort tends to shed needles if the water's too soft. Anyone else run into this? My KH is around 3 and it's not happy.

lyrae wrote: ↑Sun Aug 17, 2025 12:42 pm I've noticed Hornwort tends to shed needles if the water's too soft. Anyone else run into this? My KH is around 3 and it's not happy.

Yeah, mine did that too. Upped the KH to 5 and it stopped. Also, make sure your pH isn't swinging too much.