Water violet

Hottonia palustris

Also known as Featherfoil, Water featherfoil, European featherfoil

FreshwaterStemCuttingsdivision

Water violet (Hottonia palustris) — Svencapoeira · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Light: High light
CO2: No CO₂ needed
Temperature: 50–72°F; 10–22°C
Max height: 15.7 in; 40 cm

Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Midground
Type: Stem
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Spread: 3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Medium
Family: Primulaceae
Origin: Native to ponds, ditches, and slow, clear waters across Europe and western Asia.

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.