Water Sprite care guide
Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides 'Water Sprite') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides 'Water Sprite') 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. Lacy bright green floating or rooted fern that grows quickly. Excellent fry shelter and nitrate exporter; can be planted in substrate or left to drift at the surface.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pteridaceae
- Genus: Ceratopteris
- Scientific name: Ceratopteris thalictroides 'Water Sprite'
- Common synonyms: Indian Fern
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 Cosmopolitan.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: background
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 background under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
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 on flower stalks.
Common issues
Rapid growth depletes nutrients quickly; iron and nitrogen deficiency show as pale fronds, corrected by adjusting macro/micro dosing.