Ceratopteris siliquosa

Ceratopteris Siliquosa Profile

• Difficulty: Easy
• Family: Pteridaceae
• Gender: Ceratopteris
• From: Tropical region
• Lighting design: Average
• Temperature: 18 - 30 ° C
• Growth: Quick
• PH: 5.0 to 8.0
• Hardness: 0 to 30
• Co2: Optional

Characteristics of Ceratopteris Siliquosa

Ceratopteris Siliquosa is a amphibian fern found in many tropical regions of the world in shallow water and muddy terrain, including in paddy fields. In some tropical regions of Asia, the emerged leaves of this species are used as vegetables. In the wild, this plant is said to be an annual, however it can be grown for years without issue. The species contains different phenotypes, and in aquaristics, varieties with thicker or finely pinnate dipped leaves. The species has been known in the hobby for many years, also under the synonym of Ceratopteris thalictroides, as well as under the vernacular names of water sprite, Indian fern, eastern water fern, and water horn.

C. Siliquosa is a fern of very fast growth and generally grown freely floating on the surface of the water, like all other species of Ceratopteris. Labyrinthine fish welcome it to build their bubble nests, and it provides the fry with great places to hide. However, when planted in the ground, it grows even better as a submerged plant.

C. Siliquosa forms large, thin-leaved, light green bushes in a short time, and as it requires a lot of space, it is best grown in large aquariums as a solitary plant. Their requirements are not difficult to meet; Medium and light intensities and low CO2 concentrations are sufficient, however the fern will grow best under strong light, with additional CO2 and nutrient rich water.

It forms seedlings in the furrows between the lobes of older leaves, like other species of Ceratopteris, to a lesser extent. To advance the development of these seedlings, it is recommended to cut the oldest leaves of the plant and let them float on the surface.

In shallow water and on moist, nutrient-rich substrates, C. thalictroides forms submerged leaves, which are also finely pinnate. Spore-bearing fronds have very narrow leaf tips. Their margins roll downward and thus cover the sporangia (spore capsules).