Ceratopteris Thalictroides - Water Sprite

Ceratopteris thalictroides, known universally as Water Sprite, is one of the most useful plants a hobbyist can keep. Its finely divided, feathery fronds grow rapidly and consume nitrates at a rate that makes it genuinely effective at outcompeting algae in a new or troubled tank.

Remarkably flexible in how it's used: plant it in the substrate as a bushy background plant, or let it float freely, where it develops long trailing roots that provide superb cover for fry and shrimp.

Care Guide

• Family: Pteridaceae
• Origin: Pantropical
• Height: 6–16"
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care level: Easy
• Lighting: Moderate
• CO2: Not required
• Growth rate: Fast

Propagation: Adventitious plantlets form directly on mature leaves — simply detach them once they've developed roots.