Lace Fern (Ceratopteris Thalictroides)

Introduction

Lace Fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides), also known as Water Sprite, is a versatile and fast-growing aquatic plant known for its delicate, fern-like leaves. Its vibrant green, lacy appearance makes it a popular choice for aquarists who want to add a natural, flowing element to their tanks.

Origin

Lace Fern is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is typically found in shallow waters such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.

Scientific Name

The scientific name of this plant is Ceratopteris thalictroides.

Lighting Requirements

Lace Fern thrives in moderate to high lighting conditions. It requires 8 to 12 hours of light per day to maintain its healthy growth and vibrant green color. Adequate lighting promotes faster growth and enhances the plant’s feathery texture.

Care Level

With a care level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, Lace Fern is relatively easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. Its rapid growth and hardy nature allow it to adapt well to a variety of tank conditions.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 3 to 12 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 8 dKH

Placement

Lace Fern can be used as a background or midground plant. Its tall, flowing fronds make it ideal for filling in the back or middle sections of an aquarium, creating depth and movement. It can also be used as a floating plant, where its roots dangle into the water, providing shelter for fish and fry.

Growth Rate

Lace Fern has a fast growth rate. Under optimal conditions, it can quickly spread and fill a tank, making it necessary to trim and manage its growth regularly.

CO2 and Fertilizer

While Lace Fern can thrive without CO2 supplementation, providing additional CO2 will encourage even faster growth. Regular liquid fertilization with macro and micronutrients, particularly nitrogen and potassium, helps sustain its rapid development.

Potential Problems

Some common issues with Lace Fern include:

• Overgrowth: Due to its fast growth rate, Lace Fern can quickly take over a tank if not trimmed regularly.
• Melting Leaves: This can occur when the plant is first introduced to a new tank or when there is a sudden change in water conditions. Regular water maintenance and stable conditions will prevent this issue.

Compatible Fishes

Lace Fern is compatible with a wide variety of peaceful fish species, including:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Gouramis
• Guppies
• Shrimp (e.g., Amano Shrimp, Cherry Shrimp)
• Corydoras Catfish

Other Suitable Plants

For a balanced and natural aquascape, consider pairing Lace Fern with these plants:

• Java Fern for contrasting leaf shapes.
• Anubias species for their slow-growing nature.
• Amazon Sword for adding height and structure.
• Micranthemum Monte Carlo for a lush foreground carpet.

Tropical or Cold Water?

Lace Fern thrives in tropical water conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 68°F and 82°F (20°C to 28°C).

What Fish Can Eat It?

Most fish species, including plant-nibbling species like goldfish, tend to avoid Lace Fern. This makes it a hardy plant that can withstand most aquarium environments.

A Fun Fact

Lace Fern, or Water Sprite, can be grown either planted in the substrate or as a floating plant, making it one of the most versatile aquatic plants in the hobby. When left floating, it provides excellent cover for fry and other small fish, while its roots offer a natural feeding area for shrimp and bottom dwellers.