Water violet
Hottonia palustris
Also known as Featherfoil, Water featherfoil, European featherfoil
Care at a glance
- Light
- High light
- CO2
- No CO₂ needed
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Placement
- Midground
- Type
- Stem
- Temperature
- 50–72°F (10–22°C)
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Max height
- 15.7 in (40 cm)
- Spread
- 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Root + water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Origin
- Native to ponds, ditches, and slow, clear waters across Europe and western Asia.
- Family
- Primulaceae
Overview
Water violet needs very bright light and cool water, and it fades in warm tanks or heavy shade. It does not require CO2 and is best kept in the midground where nothing blocks its light. Trim and replant the tops to keep neat, bushy groups, and expect stronger growth in a coldwater setup.
In the wild
Hottonia palustris forms whorls of finely divided, feathery bright green leaves on upright stems, topped in spring by spikes of pale lilac flowers held above the water. It grows in clear, cool ponds and ditches across Europe. Underwater it makes soft, bushy groups that catch the current.
Good to know
Hottonia palustris is a member of the primrose family, Primulaceae, and is not a true violet despite its name. It is one of the few European aquatic plants in the primrose family. Its feathery leaves are submerged while the flower spikes rise into the air for pollination.
Did you know
In spring, established plants push spikes of pale lilac flowers above the surface, a display more often seen in ponds than aquariums.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Glass Aqua Aquascaping plants and planted tank supplies
- Buce Plant Aquatic plants and aquascaping supplies
- Aquarium Plants Factory Aquatic plants shipped from a California greenhouse
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
High-light plants · No-CO2 plants · Midground plants · Stem plants
Growing Water violet?
Track your planted tank, set reminders and plan your layout.
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