Ceratophyllum Demersum L. Forma Missionis (wight & Arn.) Wilmot-dear

Origin and Common Names

Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear, commonly known as the coon's tail, hornwort, and coontail, is a submerged aquatic plant belonging to the family Ceratophyllaceae. It is native to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. This plant is considered invasive and can spread rapidly throughout water sources, crowding out native aquatic plants.

General Appearance

The coon's tail has a unique appearance with wiry, branch-like stems. These stems are covered in whorls of green, feathery leaves which create a dense, bushy appearance. The plant is capable of growing up to 100 cm in length and can form mats on the surface of water bodies. The leaves have no roots or stems and float freely in the water, absorbing nutrients and oxygen from the water.

Uses

Ceratophyllum demersum forma missionis is known for its use in aquariums, where it provides aesthetic appeal and helps maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, including nitrates and phosphates, which can cause harmful algal blooms. The plant also provides cover and a food source for aquatic animals, such as snails, shrimp, and small fish. However, this plant can be problematic in natural water systems where it can become invasive, causing a decline in native species.

In addition to its use in aquariums, coon's tail has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and diarrhea.

Overall, Ceratophyllum demersum forma missionis is a unique and fascinating plant with both beneficial and harmful qualities. It serves an important role in maintaining water quality and supporting aquatic wildlife but must be managed carefully to prevent its invasive spread.

Light requirements

C. demersum forma missionis requires moderate to high light levels for optimal growth, typically ranging between 100 and 200 µmol photons m-2 s-1. Lower light levels can result in reduced growth rates, while high light levels can increase damage to the plant's photosynthetic machinery. Therefore, C. demersum forma missionis can grow well in outdoor ponds and indoor hydroponic systems with artificial lighting.

Temperature requirements

C. demersum forma missionis is a sub-tropical to tropical plant, and will grow in an optimal temperature range of 18–25°C. Below 10°C, growth is substantially slowed, while above 30°C, the plant may show signs of stress such as leaf necrosis and reduced growth rates. Therefore, it is best to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and maintain a stable temperature for the plant's growth.

Soil requirements

C. demersum forma missionis does not require soil for growth but can be grown in various aquatic settings. It can thrive in both freshwater and brackish water with medium to high levels of nutrients. The ideal pH range for C. demersum forma missionis is between 6.5 and 8.0. However, it is essential to maintain good water quality by regularly monitoring nutrient levels and pH, to ensure optimal growth for healthy plants.

Cultivation Methods of Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear

Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear can be grown in ponds, lakes, and aquariums. It prefers to be under full sunlight and in neutral pH water conditions.

Watering Needs of Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear

Since Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear is an aquatic plant, it should be completely submerged in water. It does not require any additional watering besides the water it is submerged in.

Fertilization of Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear

Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear is a low-maintenance plant and does not require any fertilization. In fact, excess fertilization can cause rapid growth and may lead to nutrient imbalances.

Pruning of Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear

Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear does not require regular pruning. However, if the plant becomes densely packed, some thinning may be necessary to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper water circulation. This can be done by gently pulling out excess plant material from the base.

Propagation of Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear

Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear, commonly known as hornwort, is a popular aquarium and pond plant due to its unique look and hardiness. Propagation of this plant is relatively simple, and it can be done through several methods discussed below.

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative propagation is the most common and easiest way to propagate Ceratophyllum demersum. In this method, the plant is encouraged to grow more branches, which can be used to create new plants. Simply cut off a branch from the parent plant, taking care to ensure that it has a few leaves and nodes. Place the cuttings in a plant pot with aqua soil or other suitable substrate and make sure it’s fully submerged in water. Within a few days, the cuttings will start developing new roots, and eventually, it will grow into a new plant.

Division

Propagation through plant division requires the dividing of the mother plant into smaller parts in order to create several plants. This method is usually carried out for mature and large plants. Start by removing the plant from its pot and gently wash off any substrate. Divide the plant into smaller sections and ensure that each section has a sufficient number of its own roots. Repot the divided sections into separate containers with fresh substrate.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation in Ceratophyllum demersum is quite difficult, and it's not a recommended method for beginners. Collect the dried seeds from the parent plant and soak them for a few hours in clean water. Sow the seeds in a plant pot with fresh substrate and cover them with a thin layer of it. The plants will grow, but not all of them will be Ceratophyllum demersums, as this species is commonly known to hybridize.

Overall, Ceratophyllum demersum L. forma missionis (Wight & Arn.) Wilmot-Dear is an easy-to-propagate plant. Vegetative propagation and division are the most effective and common methods. These require little effort and do not require too much know-how.

Disease Management

Being an aquatic plant, Ceratophyllum demersum is susceptible to a few diseases. Some common diseases affecting the species include:

• Myriophyllum Elodea virus (MeV)
• Acute Oak Decline
• Elodea Canadensis mosaic virus (ECMV)
• Root rot
• Leaf spot

To manage these diseases, one needs to take several measures:

• Use certified seeds or seedlings to avoid viruses
• Avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to root rot.
• Remove infected plant parts promptly
• Proper disposal of infected plant materials should be observed
• Use of copper-based fungicides can be helpful in controlling leaf spot

Pest Management

Ceratophyllum can also suffer from a few pests. Some common pests affecting the plant include:

• Snails
• Aphids
• Algae
• Beaver
• Deer

To manage these pests, consider the following measures:

• Use of natural predators such as ladybugs to control aphids
• Handpicking snails and beavers can be a useful management strategy
• Stable water conditions, such as providing plant shade to the water, can prevent algae growth
• Use of deer repellant can be effective against deer