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.