Ceratopteris thalictroides - Watersprite

by Twyla Lindstrom-Peters
From "Fins & Friends" Regina Aquarium Society, Canada
Aquarticles

This is one of my first and favourite plants. It was introduced to aquarists back in the 1930's. It is usually available, and reasonably priced. Watersprite is fast growing, very easily propagated and can be attractively utilised in a large number of ways.

Watersprite ("water fern" or "Indian fern") is found naturally in still or slow running waters in almost all tropical areas of the world. The soft leaves or fronds resemble chrysanthemum leaves. They are rich emerald green and vary with the amount of light it receives. In the water, submersed leaves are large and pliable. When the plant grows out of the water, the leaves become much more brittle, fleshier - almost like green twigs (butcontinue to propagate none the less).

This plant is rather unique in that it can be grown rooted in the gravel or a pot (often grows in excess of 60 cm. high), anchored to driftwood, rocks, etc., floating on the surface (excellent surface cover and shelter for young fish), or growing out of the water (roots become very dense and fibrous). It is also an excellent oxygenating plant and contributes to the biological filtration in the tank.

Watersprite thrives in most fresh water conditions preferring soft, slightly acid water and does best at temperatures above 20 degrees C. It likes moderate to bright, direct or indirect, incandescent, fluorescent and/or natural lighting. It doesn't seem to be hindered by algae growth, catfish scurrying, small amounts of fish nibbling (most cichlids devour it!) or snail infestations. (Warning: it burns rather quickly if using potassium permanganate to disinfect with.)

Watersprite propagates very easily by developing "babies" on the outer margins of it's leaves. Broken off leaves should be left to float as they too will soon grow babies . Once the roots are developed, the young plants can be gently pulled off the parent leaf although they often come off on their own.

The original plant is relatively short lived at about one year, but, during that year, I'm sure you will find that you will enjoy several more generations of them gracing your aquariums.