Hornwort Plant Care

Hornwort (Anthoceros alpinus) belongs to the Anthocerotaceae family within the Anthoceros genus. Hornwort is native to the Garhwal Himalayas located in Uttarakhand, India.

Hornwort displays a low rosette, spreading mat growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hornwort produces non-flowering.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hornwort every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Hornwort thrives in filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Hornwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Anthoceros alpinus tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Hornwort prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Hornwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hornwort every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with filtered sunlight and well-draining loamy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hornwort is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Hornwort can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Hornwort while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Hornwort is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Hornwort can be propagated through spores. Similar propagation techniques also apply to anthoceros adscendens plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Hornwort is susceptible to not commonly affected by pests. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Hornwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hornwort is native to the Garhwal Himalayas located in Uttarakhand, India. In cooler regions, grow Hornwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.