Wild AI
PLANT OVERVIEW
About Water Sprite
A fast-growing fern that can be planted or floated.
Water Sprite is a versatile and fast-growing plant. Its finely branched leaves provide excellent hiding spots for fry and shrimp.
Background · Beginner friendly
Water Sprite
Ceratopteris thalictroides
1 / 2
DIFFICULTY
Easy
A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.
LIGHT
Moderate
Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.
CO₂
Recommended
Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.
GROWTH
Fast
High trimming needs.
CARE PROFILE
What this plant needs.
The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.
TANK FIT
Placement + size
Primary placementBackground
Typical height8–24 in
Typical width8 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height26 in+
LIGHT + CO₂
Energy demand
Ideal lightModerate
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR20–80
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitModerate
NUTRITION
Where it feeds
Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandLow
MicronutrientsLow
WATER
Useful parameter range
Temperature68–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–15 dGH
KH2–12 dKH
How to plant it.
Substrate: Any
Do not bury the crown.
What to expect after planting.
Propagation
Plantlets
Acclimation
Adapts quickly.
What usually goes wrong.
Can outgrow small tanks quickly.
KEEP EXPLORING
Plants with similar growing conditions.
Matched from the PlantLab database using light, CO₂, difficulty, feeding demand and placement.
Broadleaf Water Sprite
Ceratopteris cornuta
Moderate light
CO₂ recommended
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Giant Hygrophila
Hygrophila corymbosa
Moderate light
CO₂ recommended
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Water Wisteria
Hygrophila difformis
Moderate light
CO₂ recommended
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Brazilian Pennywort
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Moderate light
CO₂ optional
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Corkscrew Vallisneria
Vallisneria asiatica
Moderate light
CO₂ optional
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Dwarf Ambulia
Limnophila sessiliflora
Moderate light
CO₂ optional
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