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Ceratopteris cornuta is an aquatic fern
and resembles Ceratopteris thalictroides
though the former has more delicate leaves. It is often sold as a floating
plant where it develops a very ornamental root system that is suitable for
the foam nest building labyrinth fish. However, it may just as well be grown
as a rooted plant - and only the rooted individuals develop fertile leaves.
The fertile leaves are folded inwards towards the abaxial - or lower - side
where the sporangia develop. All leaves are, however, very different in appearance
regardless of fertility status. Ceratopteris cornuta is a sturdy and
fast growing plant which prefers a relatively nutrient rich substrate. The
water chemistry does not seem to be important for this plant and most pH and
hardness values found in a normal aquarium are accepted, but the growth will
always benefit from CO enrichment of
the water. Ceratopteris cornuta is a very good starter plant for
large aquaria because it effectively removes most of the inorganic nutrients
present in the water of a new aquarium. It is easily propagated by floating
leaves which produce adventitious plants.
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