Marsh Hottonia (Hottonia palustris): flowering plant that tolerates shade
An ideal plant for low-light areas
Marsh Hottonia is a valuable amphibious plant for low-tech aquariums and ponds. It tolerates, and even appreciates, low light. When submerged, it remains compact and its finely divided foliage oxygenates and adds a light texture. When emerged (open container, paludarium, pond), it can exceed 50 cm and produce superb and bright white flowers with yellow centers grouped in inflorescences. Perennial, it overwinters outdoors and regrows vigorously in spring.
Today too rare and little known, yet it has only qualities.
Why choose Marsh Hottonia?
- Low lighting accepted. It is the ideal solution for shaded corners.
- Amphibious: superb both submerged and emerged (open container/paludarium/pond).
- Oxygenates underwater, even in the shade, which is a rare quality.
- Perennial and hardy: outdoor overwintering (pond or trashcan garden) without problem.
- Easy propagation: cut to thicken the clump and replant the cut parts.
- Easy maintenance: steady growth and easy pruning.
Planting and cultivation tips
- Substrate: plant in simple soil (sand or gravel). Our plants have their roots and microbiota, having grown in real conditions.
- Light: low to medium, it is a plant that lives in the shade in its natural environment.
- Depth: in a pond, from the moist bank to deeper areas; allow it to emerge in an open container.
- Pruning: cut to the desired height to keep it submerged and bushy, and replant the tops (cuttings).
- Winter: hardy and perennial plant. The above-ground parts may die back in winter, but the rootstock regrows in spring.
Possible uses of Marsh Hottonia
- Low-tech aquarium: light mass to dress shaded areas.
- Paludarium or open tank: stunning when emerged, flowering is then possible.
- Pond and trash garden: perennial plant that overwinters and can grow in the shade of others without being disturbed.
FAQ - Marsh Hottonia (Hottonia palustris)
Does it really tolerate low light?
Yes, it is one of the few aquatic plants, along with Java Moss or Microsorum, that thrives well in moderate lighting.
Why doesn't it regrow quickly?
It needs an adaptation period after planting to reorganize its metabolism before resuming growth. Our plants grow in real conditions (with natural soil and microbiota) and therefore recover more easily.
How tall does it grow?
When emerged, often 50 cm and more; trimmed, it remains compact underwater.
Is it hardy in winter?
Yes, it is hardy and perennial: it overwinters outdoors and regrows in spring.
How to propagate it?
By cuttings: cut a stem above a node and replant the top. The base will produce new shoots and the top will develop its own roots.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Hottonia palustris
- Plant type: perennial amphibious plant, hardy and oxygenating.
- Light: low requirements, it thrives well in partial shade.
- Temperature: -10 to 28°C. In aquariums or ponds even in winter.
- Water: it prefers calm or very slow-flowing waters.
- Size: up to 50 cm maximum when emerged. Underwater, it remains more compact.
- Packaging: 1 tuft with roots (indicative weight: 20 g).
- Guarantee: without rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind. No plant is taken from the wild.
- Recommendation: as a precautionary principle, please never release this plant into the wild. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be preserved.
