Water sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Water sprite, Indian fern, Water fern, Oriental waterfern, Water hornfern
Family
Pteridaceae (brake fern family)
Origin
Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, from Korea in the north to western Australia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light (bright light gives best growth); CO2 not needed but helps

Care

Water sprite is a fern that grows in or beside still and slow water, swamps, marshes and ponds across the tropics, often massed on logs or floating vegetation. Its fronds are finely divided and lacy, on spongy air-filled stalks. It is one of the most flexible aquarium plants: root it in the substrate in the midground or background, or leave it floating, where its roots hang down as cover for fry. Tropica gives a height of about 15–30 cm and a spread of 10–20 cm; in small open tanks fronds may reach above the surface. Tropica lists medium light and low CO2 needs. It grows fast and takes up a lot of nutrients, helping to keep algae in check, and is often recommended for small starter tanks. The Aquarium Wiki gives 20–28 °C and pH 5–8. In tanks with CO2 injection it can become so large that it shades smaller plants. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); The Aquarium Wiki (theaquariumwiki.com/wiki/Ceratopteristhalictroides); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratopteristhalictroides); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Very easy. Small plantlets form on the fronds and break away when ready; plant them or let them float. Broken leaf pieces can also root. In the wild it spreads mostly from spores and can reach maturity in about a month.

Compatibility and tank mates

Soft fronds can be eaten by goldfish, large cichlids and other plant-eaters. Floating plants are ideal for livebearers, bettas and gouramis. Safe with shrimp and snails.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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