Ceratopteris Cornuta (Water Sprite)

Ceratopteris Cornuta (Water Sprite) – A Beginner-Friendly Aquarium Plant

Overview:
Ceratopteris Cornuta, commonly known as Water Sprite or Hornwort, is a fast-growing aquatic plant native to Africa and Southeast Asia. With its bright green, feathery leaves, it adds a beautiful touch to any aquarium. This plant is easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners. Due to its height, it works well as a midground or background plant and also helps in reducing algae growth.

Appearance:
Water Sprite has soft, fern-like leaves that vary from light to dark green. It grows in a rosette shape, with its leaves spreading outwards. Under the right conditions, it can reach 20–30 cm or even taller. Its lush, bushy appearance makes it a great choice for enhancing the look of an aquarium.

Growth & Care:

• Plant Type: Soft and adaptable
• Water Temperature: 22–28°C (Prefers warm water)
• Light Requirements: Moderate to high (More light results in denser growth)
• pH Level: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: 4–12 GH
• CO₂ Needs: Not necessary but can boost growth

Placement & Maintenance:
Water Sprite can either be anchored in the substrate or left floating. Once placed properly, it spreads out beautifully. It doesn’t demand much care and can adapt to different water conditions, making it ideal for new aquarists.

Propagation:
This plant naturally produces small offshoots that can grow into new plants. You can either let them float freely or plant them in the substrate for better growth.

Fun Fact:
Water Sprite gets its name from the unique shape of its leaves, which resemble tiny sprites or horns. Besides adding greenery to the tank, it also provides shelter for fish and shrimp, making it a functional and decorative addition to any aquarium.