Overview: Ceratopteris cornuta is popular as Hornwort or Water Sprite. It is a fast-growing aquarium plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. From the vibrant green color to the attractive feathery foliage– everything about this plant is amazing, alluring aquarists to keep it in their tanks. Also, it is easy to care for and maintain, thus making it suitable for beginners. Being a tall plant, it can be used as a midground or background plant to add more aesthetic to the aquascape. Also, it is known to help in controlling algae.
Appearance: Ceratopteris cornuta has fern-like leaves that are delicate and feathery to the touch. The color of the leaves varies from light to dark green. It grows in a rosette shape wherein the leaves spread outwards from the center. The fronds are finely divided, giving the plant a soft, bushy appearance. Usually, the plant attains a height of 20 to 30 cm under ideal water conditions and may grow even taller sometimes. It is a fast-growing and attractive plant with textured leaves that will bring more beauty to the tank.
Hard/Soft Plant: Ceratopteris cornuta is a soft plant. Even though it requires stable water parameters, it can tolerate a wide range of water conditions as well. However, it is considered a beginner-friendly aquarium plant due to low maintenance and demand.
Ideal Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature of Ceratopteris cornuta is between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. Warm and tropical water conditions are suited for its growth and development. Extreme fluctuation of temperature or another water parameter may put it under stress.
Lighting Conditions: The best lightning condition for Ceratopteris cornuta is moderate to high. Under low light conditions, the growth may get stunted, and the plant may become sparse in growth. High light will ensure profuse and dense growth with vibrant and fuller fronds.
Ideal pH Level: The ideal pH for Ceratopteris cornuta is between 6 and 7.5.
Other Requirements: Ceratopteris cornuta is a floating plant that requires to be properly anchored to something in the tank. It could be the substrate or the other decorative piece in the aquarium. Once properly anchored, it floats effortlessly in the substrate, allowing the fronds to spread freely. Talking about the water hardness, try to maintain it between 4 to 12 GH for the best growth. It doesn't necessarily require carbon dioxide supplementation.
Propagation: The best way to propagate Ceratopteris cornuta is through offshoots. It starts producing new fronds and offshoots over time and develops into a new plant. You can either cut off the offshoots and replant them or allow them to float freely in the tank.
Do You Know: Ceratopteris cornuta is popular as Water Sprite" or "Hornwort" due to the shape of its fronds, which can resemble a sprite or the horns of a creature. The feathery texture makes this plant suitable to add extra greenery to the tank. Also, it provides shelter to fish and shrimp.
