TCulture Ceratopteris Thalictroides (Pot)

Description

The Sumatra fern has much daintier leaves than Ceratopteris cornuta. This species is found in many tropical regions. It usually grows in muddy, shallow waters, and sometimes in rice paddies. In aquariums, this graceful fern needs enough space since it does grow very quickly. With moderate light it is easy to look after and does not cause any problems. This is a popular beginner’s plant and is suitable for anyone new to aquatics.

Plant Profile

Genus:
Ceratopteris

Species:
thalictroides

Family:
Pteridaceae

Origin:
South America

Light:
strong–medium

Temperature:
22-28°C

Growth rate:
fast

Area:
Background

Height:
up to 50 cm

pH:
5-9

Water hardness:
soft to very hard

Co2:
10-20 mg/l

Propagation:
adventitious plants on the leaves

TCulture Ceratopteris thalictroides (Sumatra fern) for SG tanks

Water sprite is one of the fastest, most forgiving stem-and-rosette plants we stock, and locally it earns its keep as a nutrient sponge. In the early weeks of a new tank, its rapid uptake of ammonia and nitrate helps starve out algae while your filter matures, a real advantage in our warm 27-29C water where algae gets going quickly. It grows happily under modest lighting and asks for no CO2, making it ideal for first-time HDB hobbyists.

You can plant it in the substrate as a bushy background, or simply let it float, where the trailing roots become a nursery for shrimplets and fry and dappled shade for shy fish. Because it grows so fast, expect to thin it regularly; pinch off the plantlets that form on mature leaves and replant or pass them to friends. The soft, dainty foliage suits Southeast Asian biotope scapes especially well.

Find more in our background live plants range. For care detail see our water sprite care guide, and if you want a native-feel layout our Southeast Asian rice paddy biotope guide is a great fit.