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Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | fast |
| Temperature Tolerance | 4°C / 39.20°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Temperature | 18°C / 64.40°F - 25°C / 77.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 2-14 kh |
| pH Value | 5-7.5 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 10-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
Hottonia palustris, commonly known as Featherfoil, is a European aquatic plant with pinnate, alternate leaves. It is categorized under the Primulaceae family and belongs to the genus Hottonia. The plant is critically endangered in some regions, including Germany, where it is legally protected. Featherfoil is recognized for its beautiful flower stalks that emerge above the waterline in May and June, while forming dense submersed populations in shaded, muddy-peaty ditches or on the edges of oxbow lakes.
Aquarium Suitability
Featherfoil is suitable for aquariums and is readily available commercially. It is typically referred to as Hottonia inflata in trade, though this name is misapplied as the true H. inflata is a North American hibernating annual plant. Hottonia palustris is relatively easy to cultivate in aquariums as a perennial plant, requiring strong lighting and consistent nutrient supplementation with nitrate and phosphate fertilizers. It thrives in coldwater tanks but can also flourish in tropical aquariums as long as temperatures do not exceed 26°C.
Demands and Hardiness
Featherfoil prefers medium to high lighting conditions with a minimum intensity of 0.5 watts per liter to prevent lower plant parts from decaying. Adequate CO2 injection promotes healthy growth, while maintaining nitrate and phosphate concentrations above 5mg/l and 0.5mg/l, respectively, is recommended. The plant displays stunted growth and discoloration in the presence of nitrate deficiency and a darker hue with phosphate deficiency. Hottonia palustris is a relatively fast grower under optimal conditions, with lateral shoots facilitating easy propagation through cuttings.
Aquascaping & Usage
Ideal for the midground of aquariums, Featherfoil can create an extravagant bush with its fine-leaved, well-branched, bushy appearance. Its snow crystal-like leaves at the shoot tips offer a striking contrast against other plants, making it suitable for Dutch-style tanks or nature aquarium layouts. The plant's elegant growth pattern and ability to form beautiful cushions in semi-shaded pond environments also make it a popular choice for aquascaping.
Propagation
Propagation of Hottonia palustris is mainly achieved through cuttings, where lateral shoots are cut and replanted to establish new growth. Trimming by pinching off the top shoot and leaving the lower part in the substrate or replanting the top shoot can lead to bushier growth, enhancing the plant's aesthetic appeal in aquarium setups.
Habitat and Distribution
In its natural habitat, Hottonia palustris thrives in muddy soil rich in nutrients, forming lush populations in shaded, muddy-peaty ditches and on the edges of oxbow lakes. While the plant is endangered in various regions, it remains relatively widespread in the North German Plain. Featherfoil's adaptability to different aquatic environments and its value in natural medicine highlight its ecological significance and conservation importance.