Water Sprite Lace Leaf Ceratopteris Thalictroide

Water Sprite Lace Leaf (Ceratopteris thalictroides) - Live Freshwater Aquarium Plant

Water Sprite Lace Leaf (Ceratopteris thalictroides), also known as Indian Fern, is a highly versatile freshwater aquarium plant admired for its finely divided, lace-like foliage. This fast-growing species can be used either planted in the substrate or left floating, making it one of the most adaptable plants available to aquarists.

Its delicate leaves provide excellent shelter for fry, shrimp, and small fish while adding lush green texture and natural movement to the aquarium.

Key Features

Distinct Lace-Like Foliage
Finely branched leaves create a soft, feathery appearance that contrasts beautifully with broad-leaf plants.

Dual Growth Style
Can be grown planted in substrate or floating freely at the surface.

Fast & Efficient Growth
Rapid growth helps absorb excess nutrients from the water column.

Beginner-Friendly
Hardy, forgiving, and adaptable to a wide range of aquarium conditions.

Care Instructions

Lighting
Low to moderate lighting is sufficient. Higher light promotes faster growth and denser foliage.

Water Parameters
• Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Planting & Placement
• Planted: Midground in smaller tanks, background in larger aquariums
• Floating: Provides surface shade and cover for fry and shy fish

When planted, roots anchor lightly while most nutrients are absorbed directly from the water column.

CO₂ & Fertilization
CO₂ is not required. Liquid fertilizers support faster and healthier growth but are optional.

Maintenance
Trim regularly to control size and prevent surface shading. Floating plants may need thinning in smaller tanks.

Propagation

Propagates easily through adventitious plantlets that form on older leaves. Simply detach and replant or allow them to float freely.

Aquarium Benefits

• Absorbs excess nutrients from the water column
• Helps reduce algae by competing for nutrients
• Provides excellent fry and shrimp cover
• Adds dense greenery with minimal effort

Perfect For

• Beginner aquarists
• Low-tech freshwater aquariums
• Fry and shrimp tanks
• Floating plant setups
• Natural and jungle-style aquascapes
• Adding fast, lush greenery quickly

Important Notes

• Growth is rapid and may require regular trimming
• Leaf shape varies depending on planted vs floating growth
• Floating plants may grow emersed leaves in open-top tanks
• Live plants vary naturally in size and shape
• Photos are for reference only

At Canton Aquatics LLC, we take great pride in providing high-quality live aquarium plants to our customers. We understand the complexities involved in shipping live plants and are committed to ensuring they arrive at your doorstep in excellent condition.

Shipping Process:

• All live plants are shipped using USPS Standard and Priority Mail to provide the fastest and most reliable service.
• Plants are typically shipped Monday - Friday to avoid weekend delays.
• Each plant is carefully packaged in sealed plastic bags to hold in moisture during the shipping process.

DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy:

• If you receive plants that are dead on arrival, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
• Upon receipt of the photos, we will assess the situation. If the plants are determined to be DOA, we will replace or provide refund.
• For a valid DOA claim, replacements or refunds will be processed within 2 business days after the claim is approved.
• Please keep in mind that all plants require sun light to live therefore your plants may arrive slightly yellow.  Please float your plants at the top of your tank near the light for 3 days if applicable.  They will enjoy this new added light intensity to help them recover.

Limitations and Responsibilities:

• The DOA policy is only applicable if the first delivery attempt is made within the shipping duration specified at the time of purchase.
• Delays due to incorrect shipping information provided by the customer or missed deliveries will void the DOA guarantee.
• Extreme weather conditions can impact the health of the plants in transit. We recommend checking the weather forecasts and choosing a shipping window accordingly.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to acclimate the plants to their new environment according to best practices. Our DOA policy does not cover plants that perish due to improper acclimation.

Cancellation and Changes:

• Orders can only be cancelled or changed before they are shipped. Once the order is in transit, we cannot accept cancellations or changes.

Customer Support:

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding our shipping policy or the condition of your plants upon arrival, please contact our customer support team at [Contact Information].

By placing an order with Canton Aquatics LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.

Please be sure to check the regulations in your state regarding restricted plants. Our policy is to avoid shipping any plants that are prohibited in your area to ensure compliance and environmental safety. It's important not to introduce plants into the wild or waterways, as this could disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

We appreciate your efforts in helping to protect the environment. For the latest updates, you can consult the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural habitats.