Ceratopteris thalictroides, commonly known as water sprite, is a popular aquatic plant belonging to the family Pteridaceae. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, this plant features delicate green leaves that are finely divided into small leaflets. These leaves are arranged in a rosette pattern and can grow up to 30 cm in length.
Water sprite is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in both aquariums and ponds. It prefers soft water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and moderate lighting conditions. Depending on the growing conditions, the plant can grow either submerged or emersed.
This aquatic plant offers numerous benefits to its environment. It helps oxygenate the water by releasing oxygen during photosynthesis and absorbs excess nutrients, which helps prevent algae growth. Additionally, water sprite provides shelter for fish fry and small fish species by creating hiding places among its leaves.
Overall, Ceratopteris thalictroides is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking an attractive, low-maintenance aquatic plant that enhances the ecosystem of their aquariums or ponds while also being budget-friendly.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Perennial, Biennial
- Genus
- Ceratopteris
- Family
- Pteridaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 13 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Bronze
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Red
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, Somalia, India, Malaysia, Angola, Mexico, Guatemala, Namibia, Madagascar, Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Yemen, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, Brunei, Benin, Cuba, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Cameroon, Liberia, Mozambique, Venezuela, Burundi, Brazil, Ghana, Ethiopia, Suriname, Botswana, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Philippines, Laos, Guinea, Panama, China, Colombia, Solomon Islands, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Togo, El Salvador, Senegal, Eswatini, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Nicaragua, Guyana, Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire, Costa Rica, Congo (DRC), Thailand, Gabon
Other names.
