Contents
Description
Hottonia Inflata, commonly known as American featherfoil, is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family. Native to North America, this plant is found in still or slow-moving waters such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. The plant is characterized by its feather-like leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Hottonia |
Appearance
The Hottonia Inflata plant has thin, feathery, and green leaves that are arranged in an alternating pattern along the stem. The leaves are pinnately divided, with each lobe lobed again, giving the appearance of feathers. The plant’s flowers are white or pink and are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The spikes can grow up to 15 cm long and have up to 50 flowers. The flowers are small and have five petals arranged in a star-like shape.
Care Guide
To care for Hottonia Inflata, the plant requires the following:
Water
The plant requires consistent moisture, especially if grown in an aquatic environment. The water level should be maintained at a depth of 10-20 cm.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Hottonia Inflata. However, if growing in a container or a pond with limited nutrients, occasional fertilization can be beneficial.
Soil
The plant grows best in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil should be well-aerated to allow for proper root development.
Sunlight
Hottonia Inflata requires full sun to part shade for optimal growth. Too much shade will reduce the number of flowers and weaken the plant.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Common pests and diseases that can affect Hottonia Inflata include:
Pests
– Aphids- Spider mites- Whiteflies
Diseases
– Powdery mildew- Root rot- Bacterial leaf spot
Habitat
Hottonia Inflata is native to North America and can be found in still or slow-moving waters such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. The plant prefers nutrient-rich soils and grows best in full sun to part shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hottonia Inflata grow in containers?
A: Yes, Hottonia Inflata can grow in containers as long as the container is filled with nutrient-rich soil and is submerged in water at a depth of 10-20 cm.
Q: How often should Hottonia Inflata be fertilized?
A: Hottonia Inflata does not require regular fertilization, but occasional fertilization may be beneficial if grown in a container or a pond with limited nutrients.
Q: What is the ideal water depth for Hottonia Inflata?
A: The ideal water depth for Hottonia Inflata is 10-20 cm.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Hottonia Inflata?
A: Common pests that affect Hottonia Inflata include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Common diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and bacterial leaf spot.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Primulaceae family include:- Cyclamen persicum- Primula auricula- Lysimachia nummularia- Dodecatheon meadia
References
– “Hottonia Inflata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k720.- “Hottonia Inflata.” Plant Database. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hottonia+inflata.
