Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) - Potted

Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is a fast-growing aquatic fern with soft, lacy, bright-green fronds that bring a light, airy texture to any planted tank. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding plants for beginners: plant it in the substrate as a bushy midground or background plant, or let it float for a shady canopy. As a fast grower it soaks up excess nutrients and helps starve out algae.

This plant arrives potted in rock wool, ready to plant or float. Browse the rest of our live aquarium plants to fill in your aquascape.

Care Guide

• Care level: Easy, great for beginners
• Lighting: Moderate to high; more light keeps it compact and full
• Placement: Midground to background when planted, or floated for surface cover
• Growth: Fast; trim regularly and replant or share the cuttings
• CO2: Not required
• Substrate: Roots in most substrates; root tabs fuel faster, fuller growth
• Propagation: Forms baby plantlets on mature leaves that you can detach and replant

Specifications

Best Uses & Companions

Water Sprite is a favorite for betta and breeding tanks and pairs well with other easy aquatics:

• Floated, it gives bettas and shy fish a shady canopy and gives fry a place to hide
• Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' for warm midground color beneath it
• Java Moss to carpet the hardscape below

Recommended Supplies

• Seachem Flourish Tabs root tabs for fuller planted growth
• Aquarium Co-Op Easy Potassium to keep the fronds lush and green
• CaribSea PyroFlora Substrate for a planted-tank base
• More live aquarium plants

FAQ

Can I float Water Sprite instead of planting it?
Yes. It grows happily both ways. Floating it produces longer trailing roots and a shady surface canopy that bettas and fry love. Planted, it forms a fuller, bushier plant.

Does it need CO2?
No. Water Sprite grows fast without CO2 under moderate to high light. It is one of the best plants for naturally controlling algae by outcompeting it for nutrients.

Why are little plants growing on the leaves?
That is normal. Water Sprite sprouts baby plantlets along mature fronds. Pinch them off once they have a few roots and leaves and replant them anywhere.

Is it safe for fish and shrimp?
Yes. It is non-toxic and a great cover and grazing plant for community, betta, and shrimp tanks.