Ceratopteris Cornuta care guide
Ceratopteris Cornuta (Ceratopteris cornuta) — medium light, 20-30 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Ceratopteris Cornuta (Ceratopteris cornuta) is an aquatic plant of the family Pteridaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. A distinct floating fern species with broader, more lobed leaves than C. thalictroides. Forms dense floating mats that provide excellent shade and cover, with long dangling roots that absorb excess nutrients.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pteridaceae
- Genus: Ceratopteris
- Scientific name: Ceratopteris cornuta
- Common synonyms: Floating Water Sprite, Broad-leaf Water Sprite
Habitat
Ceratopteris is a pantropical genus of aquatic ferns (Pteridaceae) that occupy shallow ponds, ditches and slow streams. The plants grow both rooted and floating with finely divided submersed leaves. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Tropical worldwide.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-30 °C (68-86 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: none
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
Either floated at the surface or planted into a soft substrate as a background plant. Bright light and ample nutrients drive vigorous growth. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using undefined.
Propagation
Reproduces vegetatively via adventitious plantlets that form on the leaf margins; mature plantlets detach and develop into independent plants. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets, division of the parent plant.
Common issues
Rapid growth depletes nutrients quickly; iron and nitrogen deficiency show as pale fronds, corrected by adjusting macro/micro dosing.