Ceratopteris thalictroides

Scientific name: Ceratopteris thalictroides

Family: Parkeriaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 20 - 40 cm (7.87 - 15.75 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 8°N (71.43 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 25 °C (68 - 77°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Rhizome

Origin (in the wild): South Asia

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle

Family

Parkeriaceae

Common Names

Water Sprite, Indian Fern, Water Fern

Origin

Asia, they are widespread over most of Asia.

Lighting Requirements

Bright lighting is required to get Ceratopteris thalictroides to grow at a reasonable rate, too low a level of lighting will result in leggy plants.

Propagation

This is a plant that reproduces by rhizomes so propagation is relatively easy as long as your plants thrive in the tank. A long plant should be taken out of the tank and divided into two or three pieces depending on initial length (3-4 cm for new plants is OK). These will then grow as individual plants when the pieces of rhizome are re-planted in the substrate. Always make sure that the rhizome is not completely submerged under the substrate otherwise it will start rotting.

Difficulty

Medium

Short Description

In the wild, these plants are normally found in marshy areas but they will grow as well when they are completely submerged. In some countries the leaves are used in cooking and even eaten raw in salads. They prefer softer, acidic water and the use of a CO₂ system will definitely benefit the growth rate of this plant.