Ceratopteris cornuta is a water sprite species with markedly broader leaf lobes than the much more filigree “Sumatra fern”. This medium large aquatic fern grows as submerged, rooted plant as well as free-floating plant. It gets at least 30 cm tall. On nutrient-rich, wet bottom it develops emersed spore-bearing leaves that become considerably longer than the submerged ones.
Ceratopteris cornuta is undemanding and tolerates harder water; medium lighting is sufficient. The optimum temperature lies between 22-28 °C. Good CO2 and nutrient supply enhances its already fast growth. This aquatic fern multiplies by many adventitious plantlets on older fronds.
This water sprite looks well in the midground as solitary plant or loose group; it is recommendable for initial planting of new tanks and also for beginners. Used as floating plant, it is ideal for labyrinth fish breeding tanks.
| Synonyms | Pteris cornuta P. Beauv., Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.) Brongn. f. cornuta (P. Beauv.) Glück |
| Complete botanical name | Ceratópteris cornúta (P. Beauv.) Le Prieur |
| Family | Pteridaceae |
| Genus | Ceratopteris |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Usage | Background, Plant for spawning, Midground, Specimen plant, Water surface |
| Growth | very fast |
| pH value | 5 – 8 |
| Temperature tolerance | 18 – 30°C |
| Carbonate hardness | 0 – 21°dKH |
| General hardness | 0 – 30°dGH |
| Propagation | Proliferating leaves, Spores |
| Can grow emersed? | yes |
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