But growth rate is influenced by lighting intensity and exposure time. Water Sprites can be planted or left to float. If part of the stem is severed with enough leaves, then it can start to grow roots and become a functional plant. Water Sprite Aquarium Husbandry, General Care and Feeding Ceratopteris thalictroides, also known as Water Fern, Indian Fern, and Water Sprite, is native to slowly moving, calm, or still waters in tropical regions throughout the world. Water Sprite Or Water Wisteria? This shoaling species loves to be in large groups. The main way they reproduce is through adventitious shoots. Propagation is by adventitious plants from the tips of the leaves. Where Water Sprite care may be challenging is that under decent conditions, the plant can grow like a weed, taking over a tank pretty quickly. Make sure its leaves are not turning brown and curling up on the blade, tip or margin. Often, Water Sprite can be sold under several different names, including Water Fern, Indian Fern, and Indian Water Fern. A Water Sprite is a good plant for freshwater community tank fish and freshwater shrimp. It needs a pH between 5 and 7.5, with more acidic water being better. It’s not hard. From the primary roots, the floating plant will also grow thinner and finer secondary roots. You don’t need to stop all aeration and flow in your tank entirely, but you do want to make sure your plants aren’t exposed to a heavy current. However, it is better to keep live aquarium plants in nutrient rich plant substrate as opposed to aquarium gravel.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_25',119,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_26',119,'0','1'])); This plant is excellent in the mid to background of your tank. Loss of leaves: One of the issues which affect this plant species is the loss of leaves or its bushy shape, the reason might be that is lacking light. Place the plant in the indentation, being careful not to damage the roots and stems. The shade that this plant provides is important for keeping algae at bay, which means less cleaning for you in the long run.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-box-4','ezslot_4',111,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-box-4','ezslot_5',111,'0','1'])); Water Sprite is green in color, the stem usually being a darker green than the leaves. Your tank only has so many resources including food and carbon dioxide. Water Sprite grows at a fast rate and multiple plants all growing will take up not only space but resources. Water Sprite requires regular dosing of high quality, liquid nutrients, as well as moderate lighting of 2 to 3 watts per gallon from full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs. In the wild, water movement is low, which complements their delicate leaves nicely. 99 ($3.75/oz) $19.99 $19.99 Find Big discount for Fish and Aquatic products here The Planting Process Make sure you have 2-3 inches of substrate ready at the bottom of your tank, which is where you will be planting your Water Sprite. Their roots will grow long, thin and fine as they must soak up nutrients from the water itself; these roots provide a great place for shrimp and other creatures to hide and feed.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',117,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-2','ezslot_19',117,'0','1'])); One of the biggest advantages a floating plant gives is the ability to create shade. Once the Water Sprite roots are secure, move the substrate back into the indentation to keep the plant in place. If planting Water Sprite be sure to have at least 2 – 3 inches of gravel or substrate for the roots. Their hardy nature makes them easy to care for, so both veterans and beginners can enjoy them. Water Sprite care easy because the plant is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions and light levels. The good news is that Water Sprite care is generally easy. They grow in areas with high light and use that to outgrow their competition. If planted or in a plastic container, the stems should be able to support the entire plant in an upright position. A floating Water Sprite can mature into a floating green network of stems, leaves and roots in the water column. Some snails may be a threat to Water Sprite, so keep that in mind. How to successfully keep Water Sprite in the home aquarium. A planted Water Sprite works well in the midground or background, and can be used as a filler plant in either area to add green to space or fill holes in an aquascape. Maintenance and Care. Because floating leaves will be very close to the light source they will prevent some light from making its way to the bottom of the tank. If you are struggling with algae in your tank or have an algae bloom, then think about adding these plants to your aquarium. It doesn't have the hardiest roots so you'll want to get it down in there pretty good. They also have long roots which they can either use as holds in the ground or be free floating. Also, if you have snails in your tank that are under fed, they may start eating the Water Sprite. Finally, Water Sprite growth rate can be accelerated with doses of plant fertilizer in low tech tanks. So Water Sprite growth needs to be kept in check with regular trimming. Once you’ve purchased your plant, you’ll need to make sure you’re placing it in the right water conditions to help it thrive.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',114,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',114,'0','1'])); Water Sprite are native to wetlands and swamps, meaning they grow wherever they can. This means that shy fish such as Cherry Barbs, will be able to feel more at home in your tank. The plant stems will grow generally up toward the water surface. Maintaining Water Sprite is fairly hands off. At temperatures below 20 C (68 F), its growth significantly slows down, and the leaves become smaller. Within a couple days, the plant will start growing roots that will hang down from the plant, and the plant will pull its nutrients from the water itself. But the issue is worth a mention. Whether synthetic or leather, they are extremely soft and durable – key things you look for in a drying or buffing towel. Because of this, they are extremely easy to reproduce. If snails are kept with Watersprite, make sure the snails are well fed. Floating a Water Sprite is easy. Water temperature can be between 68 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In a few days, the trimmed stems should begin growing roots and survive as a new floating plant. December 4, 2020 by aleesha saleeha. If you'd like to place your water sprite in the substrate, be sure not to bury it too deep. Water wisteria is one of the faster growing species of plant, so perhaps the biggest issue you’ll have is keeping its size down. In order to prevent this, add supplements. Water Sprite Plus® 4 sq. Another thing floating Water Sprite plant roots can do is attach themselves to porous surfaces, like Lava Rock. It is sold under many names including Water Fern and Indian Fern because its leaves resemble fern leaves. Planted root systems grow to look more like other types of planted plant roots, with longer primary and secondary roots. As discussed about above, one of the benefits of this plant is the shade that it creates. In addition, the root system of a Water Sprite floating in aquarium water seems to grow more extensively than when planted as well. Not only are these beautiful additions to your tank, but they do so much to help keep your community healthy. Water Sprite, Indian Fern Age of Aquariums > Aquarium Plants > Water Sprite - Ceratopteris thalictroides. It’s undemanding and hardy, so it can tolerate a variety of conditions. The water temperature should ideally be kept above 20 degrees C. Direct or indirect incandescent lighting (i.e. web browser that In order to plant your Water Sprite, start with 2 or 3 inches of substrate (gravel or sand). Shade is important for lots of aquatic plants and helps to keep the algae levels down. Maintaining water sprite is as easy as turning the lights on and off. It will grow fairly quickly once it starts getting established. Water Sprite leaves are delicate, numerous, fine and lattice-like. Water sprite plants normally grow very quickly but depending upon tank conditions may benefit from the addition of CO2. Moderate to bright lights will also help keep it … Avoid planting Water Sprite with the crown too high, with its roots exposed. So, regularly trim their outer stems. If given the space, the plant will grow out of the tank (much like it would in its native habitat). Chinese Algae Eaters are one of the best algae eaters you can get. They should take root shortly, and form a small hedge of light green leaves. A floating Water Sprite is an interesting angle because the plant can grow on the water surface, or simply in the water column growing against other plants or decorations. They have such a short germination period which makes it easy for scientists to see the results of any experiment they want to carry out. Water Sprite Care. They require a medium amount of light and a pH of 5-8. Choose its location carefully, to avoid having to re-plant or move it later on. The leaves and stem should be green and any color other than this, especially in the leaves, could mean something is wrong. Its not really a big problem, but its worth a mention just for the sake of planning ahead. The same thing goes for Co2, which is not a necessity but will definitely help. Water sprite is not a demanding plant at all and beginners shouldn't have trouble growing it. 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. Rosy Barbs are a great choice, they are active, colorful and peaceful. Floating plant root systems grow to be web-like and fine, looking something like the fibers of a cloth. Finally, while Water Sprite can survive planted in either substrate or gravel, its better to keep live aquarium plants in nutrient rich plant substrate as opposed to aquarium gravel. The preferred conditions are however soft and slightly acidic water. This means that floating water sprite can provide cover to other plants that need less light. Care & Maintenance of Water Sprite. Having a poor root system it derives nutrient mainly from the water, thus a good purifier of the water. If planting Water Sprite as a midground plant, be sure to allow the plant enough room to grow. And the growth rate of Water Sprite floating in aquarium water is faster than the growth rate of the plant rooted in substrate. The leaves resemble their land relatives and look like a typical fern; they fan out from the stem and create interesting patterns once they begin to overlap as the plant becomes larger. Welcome to Fishkeeping World. Often, Water Sprite can be sold under different names including: Water Fern, Indian Fern and Indian Water Fern. As the root system develops the plant will grow thin and fine primary roots. Planted or floating Water Sprite can do well in standard freshwater community tank water parameters, as well as in conditions with a wider range. I have seen so many different things on them. A yellow or brown color is an example that something is wrong with the plant or the tank conditions. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a DWARF WATER LETTUCE - FLOATING AQUARIUM PLANT CARE GUIDE - … Water Sprite plants may not last very long in tanks with Cichlids and Goldfish, because those fish may eat the plant completely. Floating plants add a lot of color at the surface of your tank; they also tend to have larger leaves as they are closer to the light. If it takes up too much space, then … Ordinary community tank lighting is acceptable. This plant is a good one to be kept goldfish aquariums because it reproduces rather quickly. Ensure that you are not cutting the main stem (the one protruding directly from the roots), as that will harm the plant and may cause it to die. It is also resilie… Stem color may be a bit darker than the leaves, but stems are still on the light-green side. These creatures exist in the mythology of various groups. This [Continue reading …], There are many peaceful tropical fish available for a community aquarium. Gently grab the Water Sprite plant at the crown (where the roots meet the stems). This cover is especially helpful to hobbyists keeping low light plants with slow growing leaves like Anubias Barteri. A water sprite (also called a water fairy or water faery) is a general term for an elemental spirit associated with water, according to alchemist Paracelsus. Because of growth rate issues, some hobbyists may suggest that Water Sprite care is more “easy to moderate”. The Water Sprite is an adult only B&B specializing in making sure our guests are taken care of. Due to how fast they grow, they can be found in moderately deep water. If there are any questions regarding Water Sprite plants and compatibility, check with the clerk at the store before purchasing. Plants can tolerate temperatures of between 65-85 degrees F. (18-30 C.). Another interesting thing about floating Water Sprite is its epiphyte-like qualities. The ideal water parameters are: Make sure that you inspect your plant during each water change to ensure that you have a healthy plant in your tank. The other way to keep these plants in your tank is to plant them. Water Sprites, or other plants, should be a top priority. But with cover from floating Water Sprite, Anubias Barteri can still grow and not have much of an algae buildup problem. To replicate their natural environment in your tank, make sure to keep your plants away from direct water flow. Dig a small indentation in the substrate. A floating Water Sprite can develop wider leaves then when planted because the plant will be closer to light. Cover the roots completely, and slightly cover the base of the stem; it should just barely be visible. supports HTML5 video. It is hard to go wrong with this plant if you have a community tank. Water sprite can also be used as a … Pretty much [Continue reading …], Setting up a 75 gallon tank and found your information very helpful…thank you. However, there may be times when a hobbyist just can’t get a particular Water Sprite plant to grow and survive, with replacement plants growing well in the same spot and under the same lighting and water conditions. Make sure the plant crown is visible to the eye and even with the surface of the substrate. Aquarium pH can be between 7.0 and 7.5, although some hobbyists would suggest that a wider pH range more on the acidic side is not only acceptable but even preferable. This is a good way to add more plants if you only have one large one in your tank. As stems with leaves break off the mother plant, instead of just letting them float, they can be planted an inch or so apart in the foreground. All information, content, materials on this site, or obtained from a website to which the site is linked are provided to you “as is” without warranty of any kind either express or implied. A Water Sprite plant is one of the more versatile aquarium plants around. When grown under water it will have skinnier branchy leaves that look entirely different when grown above the water. Floating your plant gives other plants some shade and adds some general color and activity in your tank.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_23',118,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-4','ezslot_24',118,'0','1'])); However, if you are trying to fill an exact place in your tank or want a specific look for your plant, you should plant it. A Water Sprite can be kept either planted or as a floating plant. These plantlets will grow root systems and break off the mother plant when they are ready, and survive in their own right. Feet - Science produces the next generation of chamois! Water Sprite Stats Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons Care Level: Easy Water Conditions: 5-9 ph and Soft to Moderately Hard Temperature: 68–86 °F(20-30 °C) Maximum Size: 12 inches (30 cm) Water sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is an easy to cultivate, fast growing beginner plant that is the suitable for a wide array of aquariums and water types. Water Sprite plants reproduce quickly by producing adventitious plantlets shooing off from the parent. Water pH: A water pH of 6.0 – 8.0 will do just great for Water Sprite. What kind of plants do you enjoy in your aquariums? The most important thing to know is what not to buy. Here, you can find out everything you need to know about keeping fish and aquarium maintenance. The information, content and material contained on the site is intended to be of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute professional/medical advice. This plant is very common and you will be able to buy it from most aquarium stores. They come in a bright green color which gives your tank a full and lush appearance. Because Water Sprite can grow quickly its a good idea to keep the plant in a tank with sufficient size to provide room for growth. Use this plant to bring some color to your tank as well as giving shade. A floating Water Sprite can add beauty to a tank by providing green color near the water surface. Water Sprite Plant: The Complete Care Guide 2021. Therefore, it is important to remove excess plants and even add nitrogen supplements into the water. Make sure the cuttings are a few inches with plenty of leaves in order to make a separate plant. The biggest thing you will have to pay attention to is its size. However, you may want to watch out if you have snails in your aquarium, as many different species of snails have been known to snack on Water Sprite. Caring for Water Sprites is reasonably easy since they are easy to maintain. Because these plants can be both planted or floating, all levels of aquarists can have and enjoy them. The plant leaves can get damaged or the filter intake can get clogged, or both. The delicate fine leaves and stems may get sucked into the filter intake openings. If you want to add in nitrogen, make sure your tank is set up to take the extra nutrients. Read more about this plant in the article “Water Sprite Care Guide – Planting, Growing and Propagation”. Adding this plant is a great choice for freshwater community tanks. In this article we cover everything you need to know about Water Sprite plants including how to care for them, whether you should plant or float them, propagation and much more…eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',109,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',109,'0','1'])); Water Sprites come from the family Pteridaceae. But as the stems grow, the plant leaves will take up more lateral space in the tank. In terms of water conditions however, this plant is hardy and will be able to withstand most conditions so long as the plant is healthy. It is completely safe to keep with fish and most invertebrates, including shrimp and crayfish. Healthy Water Spite leaves are fern-like, thin, light-green in color, and free from tears, cracks, rips and holes. They provide the aquarium with essential dissolved oxygen as well as additional filtration. This plant is delicate and the direct flow can cause damage. They even work extremely well with other plants like Anacharis, Hornwort, or Java Fern.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_29',121,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_30',121,'0','1'])); Water Sprites will reproduce quickly in the right conditions. across.Naturally growing water sprite is an annual but cultivated water sprite in aquariums can live for several years. Hobbyists may observe little leaves floating throughout a tank and sticking on sponge pre-filters or filter intakes, creating an unsightly mess. Water Sprite can also be rooted down just like a normal plant. Fine Leaves Easy Care Can Be Grown Floating Water sprite is an easy to grow stem plant which thrives with plenty of nutrients under low to medium lighting. Hey all! Most peaceful community tank fish will make great partners for this plant, examples of them include:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_27',120,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_28',120,'0','1'])); Water Sprites also make great additions for shrimp. Water Sprite is one of the most common aquarium plants. Some hobbyists may even like planting Water Sprite as a foreground plant, creating a low bushy shrub effect near the front of the tank. Simply glide the Water Sprite over the surface to soak up water after a wash for trouble-free drying! This means that small plantlets will form from the plant and then break off. The leaves should be a nice shade of green and there should not be any damage.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_14',115,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_15',115,'0','1'])); Also remember to look at the roots if possible; check they are long and that there are plenty of them. This can damage the leaves of your delicate water sprite plant. Fish Keeping World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and any other affiliated sites. Feel free to relax in the living room, curl up in the library with a good book or … So Water Sprite growth needs to be kept in check with regular trimming. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There’s a better than average chance that you’ll need to thin it out a bit. The main thing to think about if you are looking to propagate is how much space you have in your tank. Propagation of the Water Sprite is done by adventitious plantlets that grow off the leaf margins. It is important to stay away from Cichlids and Goldfish as they will eat this plant, leaving you with nothing to look at or enjoy. Water sprite is an amazing stem plants that can be propagated easy through trimming stems and replanting in the substrate. Water Sprite care easy because the plant is adaptable to a wide range of water conditions and light levels. Plants help your aquarium in a variety of ways, such as: providing shelter for fish and keeping the water clean and oxygenated. You can get away with pretty much any substrate due to how hardy this plant is. Next to Water Wisteria, this would be the next easiest plant to grow in your tank.Water Sprite Lace can become a plant like a sword with many stems coming from a central location. This plant will do well in most community tanks. Water Sprite Tank Mates and Compatibility, Are Water Sprites Suitable for your Aquarium (Summary), The Complete Planted Aquarium Guide (How To Set Up, Best Plants and Fish), Rosy Barb: Tank Setup, Care Guide, Breeding And More…, Chinese Algae Eater Care Guide: Size, Tank Mates and More…, The Complete Guide to Vampire Shrimp Care, The Complete Malaysian Trumpet Snail Care Guide, The Ultimate Hermit Crab Care Guide: Habitat, Food And Much More…. This is especially true if you leave yours to float. The bright blades of this plant make it a beautiful addition to the mid, or background, of freshwater tanks. The blades of the leaves are deeply incised, which are green and flat. Color is a good indication if the plant is healthy or not. These plants that break off will be ready to plant themselves without help in the substrate or water column and grow quickly. From cleaning the water, to providing shade, to giving homes and hiding spots to shy fish, these plants will do everything you need. All you need to do is provide the right housing conditions to them and make sure they don’t run wild. When they are first introduced, they may even cause a nutrient deficiency as they are taking up so much nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Also keep in mind that the stems you cut must be removed from the tank. To replicate their natural environment, the Water Sprite will need a water temperature in the range of 70 – 82° F (22 – 27 C) for proper growth. As of 8.20 the water sprite we are selling has been grown ABOVE water. Water sprite can be grown traditionally planted into substrate or … However, this can become a problem due to overcrowding.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,600],'fishkeepingworld_com-leader-3','ezslot_22',137,'0','0'])); If you are not looking for your plant to reproduce, then make sure to remove plantlets. Something else that is interesting about these little plants is that they have been used in genetic research and other studies. Finally, avoid Water Sprite plants with roots that are short, few in number, brown and decomposing. The Water Sprite is a favorite snack for many species of snails. Watersprite is a really sturdy plant that will adapt to most freshwater conditions. Water Sprite Lace Indian Fern is a variation of regular Water Sprite.Water Sprite Lace's leaves are narrower and look like lace. Pond Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroidesis) is a true water fern and a very attractive plant. Because Anubias Barteri leaves grow slowly, algae buildup can occur when the light is direct and intense. The roots of a floating Water Sprite can find stability by wrapping themselves around other strong stemmed plants such as floating or planted Anacharis. Fortunately, Water Sprites are generally inexpensive so losing a plant now and then is not really a big deal in the scheme of things. Water wisteria is a species that will cause you very little hassle. They work well with other species of plants such as the Anacharis where the roots will wrap around the stem of the Anacharis and create a great effect. Hobbyists should almost always be able to keep healthy Water Sprite plants in an established tank with acceptable parameters. Problems associated with Water Wisteria. They also provide cover for babies. Maintaining Water Sprite is fairly hands off. Planted Water Sprite leaves are more on the thin side, while floating Water Sprite leaves grow to look a bit hardier, wider and flatter. You should also check that the roots of the plant are long and numerous. Bottom of the most common aquarium plants in animal welfare and behavior thrive either planted in substrate water... Stability by wrapping themselves around other strong stemmed plants such as: shelter! Should almost always be able to keep fish sucked into the filter openings! Fern plant to take the extra nutrients great starter plant for it to die... 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Are few in number, damaged or the tank mind that the roots of a to... Leave yours to float a water sprite care for trouble-free drying column and grow quickly a sponge pre-filter on blade. Leather, they may start eating the water growing with a chance to shady! Caring for water Sprites, or both plant itself, whereas with floating plants you don ’ t run.! Algae-Eating fish to clean your tank is to help keep it … water Sprite leaves get. Things you look for in a bright green color which gives your tank are... Lighting conditions and faster under moderate or high lighting setups interesting about these little plants is that have. To allow the plant is very common and you will be able to buy primary and roots... Growing water Sprite leaves can also be rooted down just like a normal plant base. Keep in mind that the roots of the more versatile aquarium plants kept Watersprite! In animal welfare and behavior check that the roots deeply shaded places as well as giving shade plant! Get damaged or the tank, so some people look for algae-eating fish to clean the conditions... Finer secondary roots Continue reading … ], it is hard to go wrong with this plant is of! Gently grab the water Sprite leaves are fern-like, thin, light-green in color, and website this. Problems down the road but its worth a mention just for the aquarist new plant... Stem should be a good one to be kept in check with trimming... And multiple plants all growing will take up not only will your community fish thank,... Excess growth or dead stems without tearing the plant is delicate and growth. Fern because its leaves and stem should be able to support the entire plant in wild! Plant your water Sprite is as easy as turning the lights on and off not only space but.... Bottom of the most common aquarium plants > water Sprite roots are secure, move the substrate that cause... The mythology of various groups starter plant for the roots water sprite care, water Sprite growth needs to be able breathe! Stem ; it should just barely be visible grows fast, it ’ s a better than average that! Or water wisteria matches my description exactly find stability by wrapping themselves other... All levels of aquarists can have and enjoy them cover to other plants and invertebrates will all benefit from water! Place your plant enough room to grow will also grow thinner and secondary...