• Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
1 5

Ceratopteris thalictroides

Lace-leaved water fern for surface or rooted growth

£7.99
£7.99
  • Hurry, only 6 items left in stock!
Quick Facts

Common name: Water sprite

Origin: Asia

Position in Aquarium: Background

Grows up to (cm): 40 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Medium pace
Description

Ceratopteris thalictroides, commonly known as Water Sprite, is a fast-growing aquatic fern with finely divided, bright green leaves that create a soft, natural look in the aquarium.

One of its biggest advantages is its versatility. It can be planted into the substrate or left floating at the surface. When grown floating, its fine roots gradually hang down into the aquarium, creating useful cover for shrimp, fry and shy fish.

Water Sprite grows quickly in good conditions and absorbs nutrients directly from the water, making it particularly useful in newly established aquariums and tanks where strong plant growth can help compete with algae.

When planted, it makes an excellent background plant. When floated, allow some open surface space and trim regularly so it does not shade plants underneath.

Why choose Water Sprite?

  • Can be grown floating or rooted in the substrate
  • Fast growing and easy to establish
  • Attractive finely divided, bright green foliage
  • Floating roots provide excellent shelter for shrimp and fry
  • Helps absorb excess nutrients from the aquarium
  • Suitable for beginners and established planted tanks
  • CO₂ is not essential

Note - this plant comes in from the growers with very small roots. If you intend on planting, allow it to float for several days (or longer) so it develops longer roots which will allow the plant to be anchored down much more easily.
Plant Sizes

You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.
Shipping

Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur

Customers praised this aquatic plant for being "healthy," "lush green," and fast-growing with rapid plantlet production. Fish enjoy swimming through it. However, customers noted it's "delicate to handle" and one mentioned difficulty keeping it anchored. Most reviews highlight quick delivery and excellent packaging. One customer simply didn't like it.

  • Already produced baby plants on the leaves with roots forming
  • Grows very fast and looks gorgeous in the tank. The fish love it.
  • Really superb plants, lush and green
  • 5 stars: 24 (71%)
  • 4 stars: 9 (26%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (3%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
D
Dott C.C. (Hove, GB)
Great fresh plant, looks great in my tank

Great fresh plant, looks great in my tank.

K
Kathryn

Good healthy plants, delivered quickly. Good communication also.

Thank you and glad you're happy

M
Malcom H. (Manea, GB)
Plantlets growing already.

I have only had these plants for about ten days and already they have produced baby plants on the leaves with roots forming. I am really happy with them.

I
Ian W. (Derby, GB)
Excellent Service

Excellent Service, great product, well packaged and arrived in tip top condition. Dispatched super quickly and delivered super quick also. I have no hesitation in recommending Aqua Essentials to anyone and will certainly be back to purchase more equipment when required. 10/10 👌🏻

A
Ami

Great healthy plant, good size. Fast delivery x

K
Karin K.
Review

Awesome plant.A bit delicate to handle but the fish love to swim through. I was surprised when it started growing before having rooted properly.

K
Karin K.
Review

Arrived strong and healthy. A bit fragile to handle but forgiving if parts get damaged when handling.Grows very fast and looks gorgeous in the tank. The fish love it.

J
John C.
Review

Fast delivery excellent condition growing nicely

A
Alex K.
Review

Looking good in a slightly busy location with my boisterous fish

A
Alistair C.
Review

Plant was healthy, I simply didnt like it.

S
Sarah W.
Review

Beautiful large lush green plant.

Plants are always really healthy from Aqua Essentials.

G
Gary H.
Review

Planted at the back of the tank. Growing well. Very happy with the quality.

J
James B.
Review

Too early to say, though sprouted some new leaves.

A
Amanda L.
Review

Strong, healthy plant doing well in new setup

G
Gillian S.
Review

This is an unusual plant, which lasts well and looks good. As far as I know, the fishes don't eat it!

J
Judy B.
Review

Very quick delivery,well packaged and lovely plants

d
darren B.
Review

Excellent plant much larger and more developed than I was expecting it to be so very pleased, Once again fast delivery plant arrived in excellent condition in a lovely healthy light green colour.

M
Michael P.
Review

Nice plants but hard to kee down Fast service You let me down

G
Graham L.
Review

arrived in good condition

C
Carroll L.
Review

Fast and efficient service, Well packed strong and healthy plants. I will definitely use this supplier again.

W
William M.
Review

Pearling within two days, new leaves reflecting substrate planting emerged within a week.

S
Steve C.
Review

Excellent plant, arrived quickly and is very strong and healthy and has settled in very quickly

M
Mike R.
Review

These plants arrived in tip top condition and are now growing away in the aquarium.

J
Julie A.
Review

Never disappointed with the quality of plants, looks great in my tank

A
Andrew M.
Review

Really superb plants, lush and green. Both pots were well populated with plants, more than enough for my tank.

M
Mike G.
Review

Bought two and both have taken well. I can confirm that despite what the forums say, Amano shrimp DO eat plants and not just those that are dead/dying. These plants are a favourite of my shrimp to munch on ;)

j
john f.
Review

A robust plant which is busy taking over the back of the tank. One I'd reccomed for quick greenery. Treats my very hard water with contempt.

M
Mary P.
Review

This makes a very nice floating plant, it will morph into a mat with roots in the water. Bettas love it.

J
JULIE W.
Review

Another good plant and, as with the others I ordered it arrived in perfect condition and looks lovely in the aquarium.

F
Florin G.
Review

healthy and quality plant . came next day to my door. it\'s doing very well in my aquarium.

E
Emma D.
Review

This was a lot smaller/less mature than the other plants I received. Only a couple of inches high. Everything else from Aqua Essentials was beyond what I expected.

K
Ken C.
Review

Perfect hiding place for small fish and fry.

C
Customer
Review

Great delivery

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

Is Water Sprite a good aquarium plant for beginners?

Yes, the Water Sprite aquarium plant is ideal for beginners. It is fast-growing, easy to care for, and adapts well to different aquarium conditions.

Can Water Sprite be floated or planted?

Water Sprite can be grown both as a floating plant and planted in the substrate. This flexibility makes it suitable for different aquascaping styles.

How fast does Water Sprite grow?

Water Sprite grows quickly, especially under good lighting. It can reach the surface in smaller aquariums and may require regular trimming.

Does Water Sprite help reduce algae?

Yes, Water Sprite absorbs excess nutrients from the water, which helps limit algae growth and keeps the aquarium balanced.

Does Water Sprite need CO2?

No, Water Sprite can grow without CO2. However, adding CO2 can increase its growth rate and overall health.

  • Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
  • Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
1 5

Ceratopteris thalictroides

Lace-leaved water fern for surface or rooted growth

Ask a question
Easy care Medium light Floating plant CO2 not required
£7.99
£7.99
  • In stock — 6 available

In-stock orders normally dispatch before 4pm, Monday–Friday. Delivery details

Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur
Ceratopteris thalictroides (Water sprite) Aquafleur

Complete your setup

Useful additions for your aquarium

Care essentials chosen for this plant

Healthier plants
Brighter results
Neutro T Aquarium Plant Fertiliser Recommended size
£10.99
Liquid carbon Neutro CO₂ - Liquid Carbon for planted aquariums

Helps boost plant growth
and colouration.

Recommended size
£10.99
Root nutrition Neutro TerraTabs - Root Tabs for Planted Aquariums

Long-lasting nutrition
for strong, healthy roots.

Recommended size
£9.99
Useful additions for planting day Carefully packed with your plants Specialist aquarium plant care
Bundle offers

About this plant

Ceratopteris thalictroides, commonly known as Water Sprite, is a fast-growing aquatic fern with finely divided, bright green leaves that create a soft, natural look in the aquarium.

One of its biggest advantages is its versatility. It can be planted into the substrate or left floating at the surface. When grown floating, its fine roots gradually hang down into the aquarium, creating useful cover for shrimp, fry and shy fish.

Water Sprite grows quickly in good conditions and absorbs nutrients directly from the water, making it particularly useful in newly established aquariums and tanks where strong plant growth can help compete with algae.

When planted, it makes an excellent background plant. When floated, allow some open surface space and trim regularly so it does not shade plants underneath.

Why choose Water Sprite?

  • Can be grown floating or rooted in the substrate
  • Fast growing and easy to establish
  • Attractive finely divided, bright green foliage
  • Floating roots provide excellent shelter for shrimp and fry
  • Helps absorb excess nutrients from the aquarium
  • Suitable for beginners and established planted tanks
  • CO₂ is not essential

Note - this plant comes in from the growers with very small roots. If you intend on planting, allow it to float for several days (or longer) so it develops longer roots which will allow the plant to be anchored down much more easily.

Preparing a potted plant

Gently remove the pot and growing wool, then follow the planting advice for this species.

Potted plant care guide
Delivery & live plant guarantee

Orders placed before 4pm Monday–Friday normally dispatch the same working day. Special-order items leave once all items are available.

Delivery options and charges · Returns and guarantees · Help with plants that arrived damaged

Customers praised this aquatic plant for being "healthy," "lush green," and fast-growing with rapid plantlet production. Fish enjoy swimming through it. However, customers noted it's "delicate to handle" and one mentioned difficulty keeping it anchored. Most reviews highlight quick delivery and excellent packaging. One customer simply didn't like it.

  • Already produced baby plants on the leaves with roots forming
  • Grows very fast and looks gorgeous in the tank. The fish love it.
  • Really superb plants, lush and green
  • 5 stars: 24 (71%)
  • 4 stars: 9 (26%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (3%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
D
Dott C.C. (Hove, GB)
Great fresh plant, looks great in my tank

Great fresh plant, looks great in my tank.

K
Kathryn

Good healthy plants, delivered quickly. Good communication also.

Thank you and glad you're happy

M
Malcom H. (Manea, GB)
Plantlets growing already.

I have only had these plants for about ten days and already they have produced baby plants on the leaves with roots forming. I am really happy with them.

I
Ian W. (Derby, GB)
Excellent Service

Excellent Service, great product, well packaged and arrived in tip top condition. Dispatched super quickly and delivered super quick also. I have no hesitation in recommending Aqua Essentials to anyone and will certainly be back to purchase more equipment when required. 10/10 👌🏻

A
Ami

Great healthy plant, good size. Fast delivery x

K
Karin K.
Review

Awesome plant.A bit delicate to handle but the fish love to swim through. I was surprised when it started growing before having rooted properly.

K
Karin K.
Review

Arrived strong and healthy. A bit fragile to handle but forgiving if parts get damaged when handling.Grows very fast and looks gorgeous in the tank. The fish love it.

J
John C.
Review

Fast delivery excellent condition growing nicely

A
Alex K.
Review

Looking good in a slightly busy location with my boisterous fish

A
Alistair C.
Review

Plant was healthy, I simply didnt like it.

S
Sarah W.
Review

Beautiful large lush green plant.

Plants are always really healthy from Aqua Essentials.

G
Gary H.
Review

Planted at the back of the tank. Growing well. Very happy with the quality.

J
James B.
Review

Too early to say, though sprouted some new leaves.

A
Amanda L.
Review

Strong, healthy plant doing well in new setup

G
Gillian S.
Review

This is an unusual plant, which lasts well and looks good. As far as I know, the fishes don't eat it!

J
Judy B.
Review

Very quick delivery,well packaged and lovely plants

d
darren B.
Review

Excellent plant much larger and more developed than I was expecting it to be so very pleased, Once again fast delivery plant arrived in excellent condition in a lovely healthy light green colour.

M
Michael P.
Review

Nice plants but hard to kee down Fast service You let me down

G
Graham L.
Review

arrived in good condition

C
Carroll L.
Review

Fast and efficient service, Well packed strong and healthy plants. I will definitely use this supplier again.

W
William M.
Review

Pearling within two days, new leaves reflecting substrate planting emerged within a week.

S
Steve C.
Review

Excellent plant, arrived quickly and is very strong and healthy and has settled in very quickly

M
Mike R.
Review

These plants arrived in tip top condition and are now growing away in the aquarium.

J
Julie A.
Review

Never disappointed with the quality of plants, looks great in my tank

A
Andrew M.
Review

Really superb plants, lush and green. Both pots were well populated with plants, more than enough for my tank.

M
Mike G.
Review

Bought two and both have taken well. I can confirm that despite what the forums say, Amano shrimp DO eat plants and not just those that are dead/dying. These plants are a favourite of my shrimp to munch on ;)

j
john f.
Review

A robust plant which is busy taking over the back of the tank. One I'd reccomed for quick greenery. Treats my very hard water with contempt.

M
Mary P.
Review

This makes a very nice floating plant, it will morph into a mat with roots in the water. Bettas love it.

J
JULIE W.
Review

Another good plant and, as with the others I ordered it arrived in perfect condition and looks lovely in the aquarium.

F
Florin G.
Review

healthy and quality plant . came next day to my door. it\'s doing very well in my aquarium.

E
Emma D.
Review

This was a lot smaller/less mature than the other plants I received. Only a couple of inches high. Everything else from Aqua Essentials was beyond what I expected.

K
Ken C.
Review

Perfect hiding place for small fish and fry.

C
Customer
Review

Great delivery

Product FAQs

Is Water Sprite a good aquarium plant for beginners?

Yes, the Water Sprite aquarium plant is ideal for beginners. It is fast-growing, easy to care for, and adapts well to different aquarium conditions.

Can Water Sprite be floated or planted?

Water Sprite can be grown both as a floating plant and planted in the substrate. This flexibility makes it suitable for different aquascaping styles.

How fast does Water Sprite grow?

Water Sprite grows quickly, especially under good lighting. It can reach the surface in smaller aquariums and may require regular trimming.

Does Water Sprite help reduce algae?

Yes, Water Sprite absorbs excess nutrients from the water, which helps limit algae growth and keeps the aquarium balanced.

Does Water Sprite need CO2?

No, Water Sprite can grow without CO2. However, adding CO2 can increase its growth rate and overall health.