Hornwort | Ceratophyllum demersum
Excellent oxygenator forming bushy underwater mats, perfect for wildlife-friendly ponds.
Normally Available From: April/May
Hornwort is a superb free-floating oxygenator for ponds, thriving in still or slow-moving water and depths up to 1.5m. It provides cover for fish and amphibians, combats algae, and produces oxygen essential for clear, healthy water.
Hornwort is sent un-bunched as it is a free floating oxygenator, coverage for 2.5sqm.
Key Characteristics:
- Depth: 30cm to 150cm
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Foliage: Fine, thread-like, spiky leaves
- Growth Habit: Submerged, free-floating, bushy mats
Additional Information:
- Common Name: Hornwort
- Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Flowering Period: May to July
- Hardiness: Hardy in most UK areas; tolerates -15°C to -10°C. (H5)
- UK Native 🇬🇧 | Loved by Amphibians 🐸
Please note our dates are subject to change as conditions may mean that our plants are not quite ready for you
Your Plant At Arrival
Your oxygenating plants will arrive in a bag, ready to be popped straight into you pond upon arrival!
Each pack contains coverage for 2.5sqm
How to Grow
- Growing Instructions:
- Growing Tips:
Care & Maintenance
- Pruning: Remove excess growth as needed, and place the cut foliage at the pond’s edge for 24 hours. This gives any pond life, such as insects or amphibians, time to safely return to the water.
- Pests/Diseases: Rarely affected by pests and diseases.
Bunched Oxygenators - Good to Know
Why Are Bunched Oxygenators So Important?
Bunched oxygenators play a crucial role in keeping your pond healthy and thriving. They release oxygen into the water through photosynthesis, which is essential for fish, amphibians, and other pond life to survive. By absorbing excess nutrients like nitrates, they help prevent algae growth, keeping the water clearer.
Clear water allows more sunlight to reach the plants, boosting oxygen production and creating the perfect environment for pond life. These plants also provide shelter for fish, newts, and insects, making them a vital addition to any garden or wildlife pond.
What is the difference between Bunched Oxygenators and Deep Potted Oxygenators?
Potted oxygenators sit a little higher in the water and often have more varied foliage and leaf shapes, making them brilliant for providing cover for spawning amphibians and shelter for froglets. Some varieties can even form a lovely carpet on the pond floor, adding texture and interest.
You don’t always need both—it depends on your pond’s size and style (and what you fancy). That said, we think they make a great team, each bringing their own benefits to your pond.
How Deep Should I Place My Bunched Oxygenators?
The planting depth for bunched oxygenators depends on the variety, so it’s always best to check the product page.
How Many Bunched Oxygenators Do I Need?
Oxygenators are vital for releasing oxygen into your pond and keeping the water clear by absorbing excess nutrients and nitrates. We recommend adding 2 to 3 bunches per square metre for the best results. A pack of 5 bunches is enough to cover around 2.5sqm.
Can I Mix Varieties of Bunched Oxygenators In My Pond?
Yes, you can mix varieties of bunched oxygenators in your pond! We recommend placing them in different areas to give each space to grow. Over time, one variety may dominate, especially in smaller ponds, but this is natural and depends on the conditions in your pond. A mix still provides excellent benefits for oxygenation and biodiversity.
Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Bunched Oxygenators?
Carp (inc. Koi): These fish love pond plants and often find oxygenators irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers to prevent them from being eaten.
Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.
Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat oxygenators while diving for food or foraging in the pond.
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Prices
Mainland UK
Standard delivery: £6.00
Large plants (e.g., 30ltr waterlilies): pallet delivery - quote required.
Soil & gravel: additional charges apply for multiple bags.
Please email us with your postcode if a delivery price is not displaying at checkout
Highlands & Islands
Small parcels under 1.8kg: £6.00
Standard parcels over 1.8kg: £25.00
All H&I deliveries use 48-hour services
If you’re unsure about delivery costs to your postcode, please email us at.
Container Ponds
Delivery from £30 (postcode-based, please check before ordering)
Shipping to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Europe
Sorry, we are unable to ship to the above destinations.
Dispatch Schedule
Aquatic Plants
March: Monday and Thursday
April – August: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Late August to October: Monday and Thursday
October – February: Tuesday only
Aquatic plants are dispatched all year round, though frequency reduces during low season.
Garden Plants
Dispatched all year round - Tuesday & Thursday
Are plants dispatched the same day as ordering?
No. Live plants require draining and careful preparation. The nurseries dispatch in scheduled batches rather than on-demand. This means same-day dispatch isn’t possible, but we always aim to send your order as promptly as we can within our dispatch schedule.
If you’d like to check when your order is likely to arrive, just email us and we’ll be happy to advise.
Delivery and Couriers
We use trusted UK couriers:
APC and Royal Mail for pond plants
DX for garden plants
Pallet deliveries for 30ltr waterlilies, large landscape orders and container ponds
Delivery Times
APC and DX orders are sent on overnight services but may take up to 48 hours depending on your local depot.
Royal Mail parcels usually arrive within 24–48 hours.
Plants are packed in damp soil and remain safe in transit for several days.
Tracking and Safe Place Instructions
Your dispatch email will contain tracking information where applicable.
Couriers are instructed to leave parcels in a safe place with no signature required. You can add your own delivery notes using the links below. We recommend requesting a cool, shaded spot so the plants stay fresh on arrival.
APC - https://apcchoice.apc-overnight.com/
Royal Mail - will use your email and mobile number provided during ordering to send delivery updates and enable you to add safe-place instructions.
Please do not delay delivery of live plants.
Royal Mail will never ask you to make an additional payment for a delivery. If you receive a message requesting payment, please delete it and do not click any links. If you are unsure whether a message is genuine, email us and we’ll be happy to advise
Damages & Returns
If your order arrives damaged, please take photos of the packaging and plants and email us with your PFP order number.
Due to bio-security and the perishable nature of plants, we cannot accept returns of plants or molluscs.
Container ponds are handmade to order and non-returnable unless damaged.
For full details, please see our returns policy
Need Help?
If you have any questions about delivery or dispatch times, please email us
Plants Delivered with Care Across the UK
Based in Hertfordshire, we ship plants across the UK, ensuring they reach you in tip-top condition to enhance your pond with vibrant, healthy greenery. Supporting a small, local business like ours means getting a personal touch – no big teams, no call centres, just real, knowledgeable help from people who care.
