Water Sprite 'Laceleaf' (Ceratopteris thalictroides) – Fast-Growing Aquatic Fern, Plant or Float
Lacy green cover that grows almost as fast as you can trim it.
Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides), also called Indian fern, is a true aquatic fern with finely divided, lace-like fronds up to 12+ inches. Plant it or float it, and it fills space fast.
The problem
A new tank looks bare, and fry and shrimp have nowhere to hide. Fast plants that need fertilizer dosing defeat the point of a low-tech tank.
The Father Fish way
Water sprite feeds mostly from the water, so it takes up excess nutrients as it grows. That's natural nutrient control in a Father Fish tank, plus instant cover for babies.
Your plan
- Plant it or float it. Planted: roots about one inch into the sand cap, crown above the sand. Floating: just set it on the surface.
- Expect a change if floated. Floating plants grow broader leaves, while planted ones stay finer and lacier. Both are normal.
- Thin it and share it. Baby plants form on the leaves. Pull the extras to keep light reaching the plants below.
What you get
- 1 medium plant, bare root
- Very fast growth, low to medium light
- 64–86°F, pH 5–8
Why it matters
A bare tank stresses fish and starves fry of cover. A few sprite plants turn it into a nursery.
FAQ
- Plant or float? Either. Planted keeps the finest leaves.
- Why are my leaves broader now? It's floating. That's normal.
- Is it the same as water wisteria? No. Wisteria is a stem plant, Hygrophila difformis.
- How do I propagate it? Plant the baby plants that form on its leaves.
