Plants

Hydrotriche hottoniiflora

ExpertFreshwater

Origin: Hydrotriche is endemic to Madagascar, where it grows in streams and still waters with soft water. It is uncommon in the hobby and considered a relatively rare plant.

Also known as: Madagascar hydrotriche, Hydrotriche hottoniiflora

Fact sheet

Height: 50 cm
Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Lighting: High
CO₂: Recommended
Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Background

Overview

Hydrotriche is a striking stem plant with whorls of fine needle-like bright green leaves, resembling some milfoils or hornwort. The dense whorls create a lush 'bottlebrush' in the background. It is a plant of medium-to-high difficulty: it needs bright light, CO2, and soft water, or growth slows and the whorls thin out. With good care it grows fast and looks very decorative. Above water it produces white flowers resembling those of Hottonia, reflected in its name.

Appearance

Upright stems bear whorls of many fine, thread-like needle leaves 2–4 cm long, bright green. The dense whorls give the plant a fluffy look. Height is 30–50 cm. It produces white flowers on short stalks above water.

Care

It needs strong light, CO2 dosing, 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, and soft water. Nutrient-rich substrate and regular fertilisation matter. Under insufficient light and CO2 the lower whorls bare off and growth slows.

Fertilizing

It actively takes nutrients through leaves and roots. Macronutrients, CO2, and micronutrients matter. It responds well to rich, stable nutrition.

Breeding

It propagates by cuttings: stem tops are cut and replanted, and the remaining stem puts out side shoots. It roots easily in good conditions.

Fun facts

Hydrotriche is one of the few aquarium plants endemic to Madagascar. The species name hottoniiflora means 'with flowers like Hottonia'. The needle-like whorls resemble hornwort outwardly, but it is an unrelated plant.