Hottonia inflata

Hottonia inflata

Hottonia inflata is a rare North American aquatic plant producing finely divided, feathery submerged foliage on distinctive inflated, hollow stem sections — a botanically unusual stem structure that gives this plant its species name and distinguishes it immediately from all other commonly kept aquarium plants. When grown emersed in open-top setups it can produce pale flowers above the waterline. Its cool-water preference and rarity make it a specialist plant for temperate aquarium enthusiasts.

Care tip: Hottonia inflata grows best in moderate lighting with CO₂ optional. Maintain temperatures of 64–75°F and pH 6.0–7.2. Regular fertilization supports healthy growth.

Growing to 10 to 16 inches, Hottonia inflata is a background plant that requires cooler water than strictly tropical plants. Like its European relative H. palustris, inflata performs best below 75°F and declines in typical tropical aquarium temperatures. The feathery submerged foliage creates a fine, naturalistic background texture that suits North American biotope and temperate aquascape compositions.

This moderate plant grows in moderate lighting with CO₂ optional. The temperature range of 64 to 75°F reflects the North American cool-temperate preference of this species — a genuine and important requirement. A pH of 6.0 to 7.2 and soft to moderately soft water provide comfortable conditions. The chart accurately notes cooler temps and clean, soft water as key requirements.

In the aquascape, Hottonia inflata creates fine, feathery background texture with the botanical distinction of its inflated stem sections — a feature visible on close observation that adds genuine botanical curiosity to any composition. In North American cold-water biotope aquariums it is a rare and authentically regional background species of considerable interest.

Hottonia inflata is a rare and botanically distinctive North American aquatic plant for cool-water and temperate biotope aquariums. Its feathery foliage, inflated stems, and cool-water preference make it a genuinely unusual and rewarding background plant for specialist temperate aquascape enthusiasts.

Care & Specifications