Water Sprite
Water Sprite
Out of stock
Please note: This plant is grown and sold as floating but roots can be planted into substrate!
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Why Shop With us — Our Guarantee & Shipping Info
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Is Your Tank Ready? — Important Info Before Buying
Is Your Tank Ready? — Important Info Before Buying
⚠️ Important: Please ensure your aquarium is fully cycled before introducing any new fish. A cycled tank provides a stable, healthy environment and helps prevent stress, illness and even death of your new fish! If you’re unsure what this means, visit the Education section of our website and read our page on The Nitrogen Cycle.
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Description:
Water Sprite, is a fast growing aquatic fern prized for its delicate, feathery leaves that add a graceful touch to aquariums. The light green foliage can grow quite large under optimal conditions, offering ample cover and enhancing the natural beauty of aquatic environments.
Growth Habit:
Water Sprite is a versatile aquatic plant that can be grown either rooted in the substrate or left floating on the water's surface. As a true stem plant, it primarily absorbs nutrients from the water column rather than from the substrate below. When allowed to float, it develops a dense cluster of roots that hang down into the tank, creating a lush, curtain-like effect. This not only provides a striking visual feature but also contributes to a natural, garden-like atmosphere in your aquarium. When allowed to float, its leaves flatten out and adopt a distinct shape compared to its submerged planted form.
Caring for Water Sprite:
To ensure optimal growth and vibrant colouration of the Water Sprite in your aquarium, follow these care guidelines:
- Substrate and Nutrients
Water Sprite is adaptable to various substrates but benefits from a nutrient-rich base or regular root fertilisation to support robust growth and vibrant foliage.
- Fertilisation
Regular application of liquid fertilisers is recommended, especially in setups where the substrate lacks essential nutrients. Choose fertilisers specifically formulated for aquatic plants to ensure optimal health and growth.
- CO2 Injection
While not strictly necessary, CO2 injection can accelerate growth, particularly in densely planted aquariums or under high light conditions, promoting lush, healthy foliage.
- Maintenance
Routine trimming is essential to manage its growth, especially when used as a floating plant. Remove any yellowing, browning or decaying leaves promptly to maintain its aesthetic appeal and overall health.
Compatibility:
Water Sprite is highly compatible with a wide range of fish and invertebrates. Its dense growth both floating and emersed provides a perfect amount shelter for smaller fish species such as guppies, top dwellers and fish fry, making it an ideal addition to community tanks.
- Species – Ceratopteris Thalictroides
- Common Name – Water Sprite
- Origin – Southeast Asia
- Lighting – Low
- Tank Level – Background, floating
- Care Level – Easy
- CO2 Requirements – Low
- Growth Rate – Fast
- PH Range – 6.2 – 7.6
- Temperature – Tropical 21 – 27°c
- Size – Grows to approximately 30 – 50cm tall
- Propagation – Adventitious plantlets
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag containing your new plants in your aquarium, allowing it to float for 15–20 minutes. This helps the plants gradually adjust to the tank's temperature, reducing the risk of shock.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. Dimming the environment minimizes stress and helps the plants acclimate more comfortably to their new surroundings.
- Rinse and Inspect: After temperature acclimation, remove the plants from the bag. Rinse them gently under room-temperature tap water to eliminate any residual shipping water, potential pests, or unwanted hitchhikers. Carefully inspect for any damaged or decaying leaves and trim them off to promote healthy growth.
- Optional: Quarantine: To prevent introducing pests or algae into your main tank, consider quarantining the plants in a separate container for a few days.
- Planting: Gently plant the rinsed and trimmed plants into your aquarium substrate. For rooted plants, bury the roots just enough to anchor them, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) remains above the substrate. For floating plants, keep them floating on the surface — their leaves and roots will adjust to your tank’s conditions naturally. For rhizome plants like Anubias or Java Fern, attach them to rocks or driftwood using thread or aquarium-safe glue, keeping the rhizome exposed to prevent rot.
- Monitor and Maintain: It's normal for new plants to exhibit some melting or leaf loss as they adjust. Maintain stable water parameters and provide appropriate lighting to support their acclimation. Avoid major water changes or adding new livestock for the first 24 hours to give the plants time to settle in.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish and plants.