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Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides)

Water Sprite is a fast, lacy fern that works planted or floating, growing dense thickets that bettas and fry treat as furniture. Like Water Wisteria it is a nutrient sponge for young tanks, but with a finer, softer texture.

Care specifications

TypeRosette
DifficultyEasy
LightLow (20–45 µmol PAR)
CO2Not needed
Fertilizer demandMedium
Growth rateFast
Max height18 in
Spread8 in
PlacementMidground, Background, Floating
Attaches to hardscapeNo
Snail & shrimp safeYes
Temperature68–82 °F
pH6–7.5
ColorGreen
TrimmingFrequent
StylesJungle, Nature, Biotope

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Water Sprite

Water Sprite

$6.99 In stock

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Propagation

Adventitious plantlets sprout along mature fronds; pluck them off once they have roots and float or plant them.

Frequently asked questions

Is Water Sprite better planted or floating?

Both work; floating is faster. At the surface it gets stronger light and unlimited CO2, growing into a luxuriant raft with dangling roots fry love. Planted, it makes a soft green column — just keep the thick crown above the substrate so it does not rot.

Why is my Water Sprite disintegrating?

Old fronds naturally die back as the plant pushes new ones, and a recently moved plant may shed most of its original growth. As long as new fronds keep coming from the crown, it is healthy; remove the dying fronds and thin the plantlets it leaves behind.

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