Floating Water Sprite
Ceratopteris cornuta
A fast floating fern that gives fry great cover and soaks up nutrients.
| Care Difficulty | Beginner |
| Lighting | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not required |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Placement | Floating |
Overview
Floating Water Sprite (Ceratopteris cornuta) is a fast floating fern that gives fry great cover and soaks up nutrients. It is a beginner plant to grow, which makes it a great pick for beginners and low-tech tanks.
This guide explains, in plain language, how to grow Floating Water Sprite well: what it looks like, how much light it wants, whether it needs CO2, how to plant and place it, how to make more of it for free, and the simple mistakes to avoid.
Appearance & Growth
A fast floating fern that gives fry great cover and soaks up nutrients.
It is a fast grower and is normally used in the floating of the aquarium. Fast growth means you will trim it often, but it also soaks up lots of nutrients and helps keep algae away.
Lighting
Floating Water Sprite does best under low to medium light. Low to medium light is plenty, so a basic aquarium LED will keep it happy.
Keep the lights on a timer for about 6 to 8 hours a day. Leaving lights on longer usually grows more algae, not more plant, so add light time slowly and watch for any green film.
CO2 & Fertilising
CO2: Not required. This plant grows fine without added CO2, so it suits simple, low-tech tanks.
Feed it with an all-in-one liquid fertiliser (such as API Leaf Zone) each week. If leaves turn yellow, get holes, or stop growing, that is almost always a lack of nutrients, not a disease.
Planting & Placement
Do not plant Floating Water Sprite - simply rest it on the water surface. Keep the surface flow gentle so it is not pushed underwater, and thin it now and then so light still reaches the plants below.
How to Propagate (Make More)
It floats and spreads by growing daughter plants on short runners. Just scoop out the extra to control it and stop it blocking light to plants below.
Swapping cuttings is one of the best parts of the hobby - over time a single healthy plant can fill your tank and stock a few more.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
The most common problem is algae growing on the leaves. This usually means too much light, not enough nutrients, or weak water flow - not a problem with the plant. Lower the light a little, add fertiliser, and improve flow.
Some leaf loss right after planting is normal while the plant gets used to living underwater - keep your light, CO2 and fertiliser steady and new growth will follow. Always remove dead or rotting leaves quickly to keep the plant and water healthy.
Is Floating Water Sprite Right for Your Tank?
Floating Water Sprite is an easy, rewarding plant that fits almost any freshwater aquarium, including first tanks and low-tech setups. Pair it with our other plant and aquascaping guides to build a lush, healthy planted tank.