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$7.99 USD
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Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+
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100% Live Arrival Guarantee
Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Easy
Light
Medium
CO₂
Not required
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Water Sprite$7.99
Species Profile
Water Sprite
Ceratopteris thalictroides
Why We Love This Plant
Selected for shrimp tanks
Improves water quality
No CO₂ required
Beginner-friendly
Water Sprite (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is a fast-growing aquatic fern with finely divided, lacy fronds that can be planted in substrate or left floating. As a planted stem-fern, it grows upright with soft green fern-textured foliage. As a floating plant, it spreads across the surface with a flat rosette form and produces dense root masses that hang below the water line.
Water Sprite is one of the fastest-growing plants in the freshwater hobby, capable of doubling in size quickly under good lighting. This fast growth makes it useful for absorbing excess nutrients in new or cycling tanks, as surface cover for shrimp, and as a natural biofilm surface. Easy to grow and very adaptable.
Care Notes
Water Sprite grows fast under medium light without CO2. It can be planted directly in substrate — it is a true aquatic fern, not a rhizome plant, so it roots directly from the stem base rather than requiring a rhizome-above-substrate approach — or left floating for surface canopy coverage.
Propagates by producing tiny plantlets along the edges of mature fronds. Trim or remove excess growth regularly to prevent it from shading out other plants.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Easy
Temperature
68–82°F
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Light Req.
Medium
CO₂
Not required
Placement
Plant stem base directly in substrate, or leave...
What’s Included
Healthy live plants
Damp-packed bags
Packed with damp protective material
Free at $75+
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Plant
01
Fast-Growing Lacy Fern
One of the fastest-growing plants in the freshwater hobby. Finely divided fern fronds add soft texture to planted and shrimp tanks.
02
Planted or Floating
Grows as an upright planted fern or a surface floating plant with hanging root masses. Try both for maximum coverage and flexibility.
03
Shrimp and Shrimplet Cover
Great for shrimp tanks. Floating Water Sprite creates surface cover and hanging root masses that shrimp and shrimplets use constantly.
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
Water Sprite is one of the best plants to run alongside shrimp — the hanging roots of the floating form give shrimp and shrimplets dense, natural shelter near the surface. The fast growth soaks up excess nutrients and keeps water cleaner in new tanks. Try growing it both planted and floating simultaneously for maximum coverage.
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
1
Order Your Plants
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
2
Inspected & Trimmed
Every plant is inspected and trimmed if needed before packing. We avoid dry or brittle portions and only ship healthy, viable plant material.
3
Packed for the Weather
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+. Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Packed Fresh for Your Aquarium
Every plant is inspected, trimmed when needed, and packed damp so it arrives ready for your aquarium. We avoid dry or brittle portions and pack plants with the same care we use for every order that leaves our facility.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Aquariums on-site \u2014 we know what plants thrive
48+
States served with safe plant delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Packed Damp & FreshFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Water Sprite FAQ
Is Water Sprite safe for shrimp?+
Yes — Water Sprite is great for shrimp tanks. We select plants for shrimp tanks and handle them with invertebrate safety in mind. Floating Water Sprite creates surface cover and hanging roots that shrimp love.
Can I leave it floating?+
Yes — Water Sprite grows well both planted and floating. As a floating plant it creates a surface canopy with hanging root masses shrimp use as cover.
How fast does it grow?+
Very fast. Water Sprite is one of the fastest-growing plants in the freshwater hobby. Trim and remove excess growth regularly to prevent it from dominating the tank.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Adding livestock to your order unlocks free 2-Day Shipping at $120+ or free Overnight at $200+.
Do I need CO2 or fertilizer?+
No. Water Sprite grows fast under medium light without CO2. Basic liquid fertilization supports the fast growth.
How do I plant it in substrate?+
Unlike rhizome plants, Water Sprite is a true aquatic fern. Plant the stem base directly in substrate. There is no rhizome-above-substrate requirement — this one can go in the substrate.
How is it shipped?+
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it. Plants typically ship Monday through Thursday so they avoid sitting over the weekend.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — Live Plant Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photograph the plant in its original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting, and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.
