Callitriche stagnalis
Callitriche stagnalis · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant callitriche stagnalis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Type
- Aquatic herb
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (April-August)
- Adult size
- 5-15 cm tall, compact bushy form
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, tolerates frost
- Origin
- Europe, Northern Asia, North America
- Natural habitat
- Stagnant waters, ditches, shallow ponds
Care
Watering and aquatic environment
Water starwort is a submerged or semi-submerged aquatic plant that must remain in constant contact with water. In a pond or aquarium, maintain a water depth of 15 to 40 cm depending on the variety. This plant thrives very well in cold water and dislikes significant water level fluctuations.
Light exposure
Plant your water starwort in an area receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily to promote dense growth and vibrant foliage. Insufficient light will make the plant etiolated and sparse. In an aquarium, quality LED lighting is sufficient; in an outdoor pond, choose a semi-sunny location.
Substrate and anchoring
Plant water starwort in a substrate rich in organic matter: mud, enriched black soil, or special aquatic mix. Adding well-decomposed compost improves rooting. Ensure the plant remains well anchored at the bottom or sides of the pond so it doesn't float to the surface.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced aquatic fertilizer (NPK) once or twice monthly during active growth (spring-summer). Prefer formulas specifically designed for submerged aquatic plants. In a nutrient-rich natural pond, supplemental fertilization is often unnecessary.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly remove dead, yellowed, or overgrown parts to maintain a compact form. You can trim stems that become too dense to encourage branching. Water starwort grows quickly; light pruning every 2-3 months is generally sufficient.
Health and pests
Water starwort is resistant to disease under optimal conditions. Watch for green algae that may compete with the plant; good balance between light and nutrients limits this issue. In an aquarium, regularly check for parasites or abnormal leaf discoloration.
Did you know?
Water starwort is remarkable for its ability to adopt two radically different forms depending on its environment: when submerged, it develops fine and delicate leaves in rosettes, while when emergent, it produces wider, rounded leaves. This phenotypic plasticity makes it a valuable ally in ponds and aquariums for water purification by absorbing excess nutrients (nitrates and phosphates).
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Ivy-leaved toadflaxCymbalaria muralis
- Spike speedwellVeronica spicata
- Heart-leaf Globe DaisyGlobularia cordifolia
- Talus slope penstemonPenstemon digitalis
- Coral plantRusselia equisetiformis
- Bunchleaf penstemonPenstemon heterophyllus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.