Water Sprite is a plant that has been popular in aquariums for many years.
It’s hardy, doesn’t need much light and can grow in low-light conditions without getting too tall.
This article will cover all you need to know about this fascinating and beautiful aquatic plant.
How it looks, what you should do to care for it, its tank mates and compatibility with other plants, and any problems that may arise when keeping this plant.
Water Sprite Overview
The Water Sprite is a member of the Pteridaceae family. This plant has been used in several different studies, including genetic research.
As well as providing shade, this plant also releases oxygen into the water.
It’s an easy plant to care for and will do well even in low-light conditions, making it a good choice for aquariums with little light such as nano tanks or bowls.
Origins And Habitat
The Water Sprite is a type of aquatic plant that thrives in Australia, Southeast Asia, India, East Africa, and Central America.
It can be found growing in a wide range of habitats such as swamps and lakes, as well as slow-moving rivers.
It naturally grows submerged underwater but can be grown emersed too.
Plant: | Water Sprite |
Family: | Pteridaceae |
Common Names: | Indian Fern, Indian Water Fern, Fine Leaf Indian Fern, Water Horn Fern, Water Stag-Horn Fern |
Care Level: | Easy |
Growth Rate: | Fast |
Size: | Up to 12 inches + |
Minimum Tank Size: | 10 Gallons |
Water Conditions: | 68°F to 82°F | 5.5 to 7.5 pH | 3 to 8 KH |
Lighting: | Moderate |
Propagation: | Adventitious plantlet/Cutting |
Placement: | Mid to background |
Water Sprite Appearance
The overall color of the plant is green, with the leaves being a lighter shade of green than the stem.
They generally grow around one foot in length, but they can grow up to four feet in length which means they can grow out of the tank.
They are generally thin, with the leaves being ribbon-shaped and curling upwards slightly at the edges.
Water sprites also have long roots that hang down from their stems, much like true moss plants do.
Uses / Benefits of Water Sprite
Here are some of the benefits and uses of Water Sprite:
- Easy To Care For: They are incredibly easy to care for, meaning they’re the perfect plant if you want a low-maintenance aquarium.
- Grows Quickly: Water sprites tend to grow very quickly and can be used as a fast-growing foreground or midground plant in your tank.
- Easy To Attach: The long roots on this plant make it easy for them to attach themselves to rocks and other hard surfaces underwater, which means that they provide cover for fish such as cichlids who like hiding places under plants.
- Aquascaping: Water sprite is a bright and vibrant plant that looks aesthetically great inside of your aquarium.
- Hiding Place For Fish: As water Sprite is large and dense, it provides a great hiding place for fish.
- Helps Reduce Nitrates: Plants like this help to control the levels of nitrates.
Problems Associated with Water Sprite
Here are the problems that come with Water Sprite:
- Holes in leaves: Because of potassium scarcity, holes appear in the leaves of older plants. Water Sprite may be dosed with potassium supplements to assist with this.
- Brown Leaves: Poor fertilization may cause the leaves to go brown.
- Algae: Algae growth is fueled by an abundance of nutrients in the tank water and excessive light exposure.
How to Care for Water Sprite
Buying A Water Sprite Plant
There are a few things to look out for when buying Water Sprite. Firstly, this plant is sold under several different names such as Water Fern and Indian Fern.
Water sprite is best kept in small groups of three or more, so be sure you have enough plant before going through with the purchase.
It’s also important to ensure that no snails were introduced into your tank during maintenance as they may prey on baby water sprites (snails love algae).
The plant should also be green in color, which is a good indication that it is healthy. Also check that the roots are long.
Tank Size
Most experts agree that a tank of at least 10 gallons is required, but technically, Water Sprite can grow in any sized tank.
Water type, Temperature, Hardness and pH:
Water Sprite are hardy plants that thrive in many different conditions.
Even when fluctuations happen inside of the tank, this plant seems to stay pretty healthy.
- Water temperature: 68°F to 82°F
- pH levels: 5.5 to 7.5 (Slightly acidic water is preferred)
- Water hardness: 3 to 8 KH
Filtration
A filter with a prefilter sponge on its intake is the best option to use in a tank with Water Sprite.
This will prevent plant material from getting sucked in, as leaves do sometimes get broken off.
Substrate
Either gravel, sand, or soil substrate are good options for planted Water Sprite.
Lighting
When it comes to lighting, Water Sprite requires a moderate amount. Standard aquarium lights are generally all that is required.
Feeding Water Sprite (Fertilization)
When it comes to fertilizing, there are several different options which include liquid fertilizer with every water change (weekly) and dry forms such as Seachem Flourish Comprehensive Supplement Tablets/Granules which can be used weekly on top of regular water changes.
How to Plant Water Sprite
When it comes to planting, there are two different options which are rooting and floating. Let’s take a look at both.
Rooting into Substrate
When rooting Water Sprite into the substrate, it is important to break up the stem and allow for new root growth before planting.
Start with around 2 or 3 inches of substrate, and create a small hole for the plant.
Remove the plant from its container and set it in the indentation you’ve made.
Gently cover the roots and base of the stem, just barely showing through.
It’s best to plant them in a spot that is away from the filter intake.
Floating
Water Sprite are one of the best floating aquarium plants. Just simply drop the leaves and stem on top of the water inside your aquarium.
Water Sprite Tank Mates and Compatibility
This plant is suitable for almost any aquarium. Water Sprite will thrive in most community tanks, with fish, other plants, and invertebrates reaping the benefits.
Here is a list of some good examples:
- Tetras
- Guppies
- Corydoras
- Cherry Barbs
- Killifish
- Cory Catfish
- Glass Catfish
- Platies
- Molly Fish
- Bettas
- Cherry Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
How To Propagate Water Sprite
Water Sprite is one of the easiest aquarium plants to propagate. Its stem and leaves can easily be cut off as a means for creating new plant’s.
The ideal way to go about this would be with some type of cutting tools, such as scissors or even a sharp blade (be sure not use your bare hands).
It will help if you are using fertilizer when doing this because it makes rooting faster! Once you have collected enough leaf/stem material place them in warm water until they root themselves.
Then simply transfer them into your tank once roots begin forming on the bottom of the rocks!
As Water Sprite grows at such a rapid rate, it’s important to ensure you have enough space inside of your tank.
Common Questions
Is water sprite easy to grow?
Water sprite is a fast-growing stem plant that thrives under low to medium light with adequate nutrients and will grow very easily and quickly once it is established.
Can you eat water sprite?
In some parts of the world such as Madagascar, Vietnam, and New Guinea, the leaves from the water sprite plant are eaten.
In other parts of the world, it is used as a medicinal herb for various ailments including fever and diarrhea in China and dysentery in West Africa.
Even when cooked, the plant may be contaminated with carcinogens, so precautions should be used.
Can you cut and replant Water Sprite?
The secondary stems of the plant can be cut and replanted. However, not all the stems will produce new plants as only a few out of every ten or so secondary growths can successfully grow into another plant.
Be careful not to cut the main stem, as this can cause the plant to die.
How quickly does Water Sprite grow?
This plant can grow quite fast at a rate of around 3 inches per month.
What is the difference between water wisteria and Water Sprite?
The difference between water wisteria and Water Sprite is that water sprite is bushier with wider leaves, whereas water wisteria is more narrow.
Water sprite has a central growing point in comparison to the clearly defined roots and stems of Wisteria.
Additionally, Water Sprite will float at an angle with its roots down to keep it completely submerged in water while Water Wisteria stays perpendicular to the surface of the tank without sinking all the way.
Water Sprite Conclusion
In conclusion, water sprite is a plant that will thrive in an aquarium.
The best way to care for it is by keeping the roots damp and providing sufficient lighting.
It can be propagated from cuttings or seeds, although getting this plant started with either of these methods may take some time and patience.
A tank mate with enough space would be ideal so as not to crowd out other plants or fish.
You should also provide plenty of light for your water sprite- you don’t want them sitting in the shade all day long!
If you’re considering adding one of these beautiful aquatic plants to your home aquarium, we hope our guide has given you everything you need to know about how they work and what special considerations are needed when caring.
Do you have Water Sprite in your aquarium? If you do, let us know your experience in the comments below, and maybe even send us your best photos.
