Water Violet care guide
Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) — medium light, 10-24 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) is an aquatic plant of the family Primulaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A beautiful European native with feathery, finely dissected leaves arranged in dense whorls. Tolerates cold water well and is suitable for unheated aquariums. Produces attractive white to pale violet flowers above the water surface when grown emersed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Primulaceae
- Genus: Hottonia
- Scientific name: Hottonia palustris
- Common synonyms: Featherfoil, Hottonia palustris
Habitat
Hottonia palustris (Primulaceae) is a European water plant of clean, cool, still or slow-flowing waters with finely divided submersed leaves and emergent flower spikes. It is rare in much of its range due to habitat loss. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Europe.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 10-24 °C (50-75 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
Background stem; tolerates cooler water than most aquarium plants and is often grown in cold-water layouts and unheated tanks. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated by cuttings; horizontal stems also produce side shoots that can be separated and replanted. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Sensitive to high water temperature and to elevated nutrient levels; cool, clean water supports the most vigorous submersed growth.