This month were taking a closer look at Ceratopteris thalictroides or more commonly known as water sprite. This aquarium plant can be found growing naturally in several tropic freshwaters around the globe. In the wild, water sprite can be found floating in slow moving streams and other still bodies of water. The intricately shaped fronds of water sprite are actually consumed as a vegetable in several of the countries where this plant is found. In the aquarium water sprite is considered an easy plant to grow, not requiring high light or any other type of nutrient supplementation although will benefit from high tech conditions. Generally, a temperature between 68 and 82 F, pH in the range of 5.5 to 8 and a total water hardness between 3 and 10 will suit this plant well.

 

     Water sprite is most commonly used as a floating plant in aquariums where its roots will extend several inches below the water column. This plant is an excellent choice for someone who’s in need of reducing their nutrient load. The combination of emersed fronds receiving atmospheric CO2 and roots that have direct access to the water column mean that water sprite can grow extremely fast and absorb problematic concentrations of various nutrients including ammonium and phosphate. I personally use this plant during the first few weeks on a newly set up soil based tank to help prevent algae and protect fish from the chance of nitrogen poisoning when I first decide to go filter-less.

 

 

 

 

 

     Water sprite can also be grown submerged where it will take on a slightly different frond morphology. I just planted these small plants but they will eventually grow up to be about a foot if not taller. They can make for a great mid and background plant and will grow relatively quickly like this without dosing fertilizers of supplementing CO2.

 

     Water sprite not only grows fast and seems to propagate even faster. Each frond has the ability to grow a daughter plant directly off of its self. They will eventually root and the old frond will die and break off, creating a brand new clone of the original.

 

     Overall, water sprite is a great plant for the beginner and even the experienced aquarist. It has multiple applications in the aquarium; serving as floating filter or a submerged background plant. It can also be used as a strategic weapon to help prevent algae.