Sumatra Fern: fast-growing oxygenating plant for natural aquariums
What is the Sumatra Fern?
The Sumatra fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) is a fast-growing tropical aquatic fern, ideal for natural and low-tech aquariums. Its fine, deeply divided, bright light green foliage adds a spectacular touch to the aquarium. It can reach 40 cm, very rarely 50 cm.
Versatile, it can be grown fixed in the substrate or on a support, and even partially emerge if the water level is low, making it also suitable for paludariums and aqua-terrariums.
This fern stands out for its very original propagation: it produces new complete plantlets on its leaves!
Why include it in a balanced aquarium?
- Natural purification: quickly absorbs nitrates and phosphates due to its strong growth
- Anti-algae: its rapid growth competes with algae and deprives them of resources
- Aesthetic: it is absolutely superb and creates shaded areas and shelters for fish and shrimp
- Easy propagation: produces new complete plantlets on its leaves
- Requires neither nutrient soil nor CO2 injection
Floating or rooted? Both uses possible
As a floating plant: forms a canopy on the surface, with long decorative roots descending toward the bottom.
As a rooted plant: easily establishes in simple soil (substrate does not matter), developing foliage that can exceed the surface.
Like Microsorum or Java Moss, it can also be attached to a decorative element so that it fixes itself there.
Compatible with trash can terrariums if the water remains above 18-20°C. Can be used as an emergent plant for a paludarium effect.
Usage tips
- 🌡️ Ideal temperature: 20 to 28°C. It only survives outdoors in summer
- 📈 Very fast growth → plan regular harvesting
- 💨 Avoid strong currents that would damage its delicate leaves
- 🏝️ Substrate optional, it can be attached to a simple support
- ☀️ Tolerates medium to strong light
- 📏 Allow space: its foliage can spread widely
- 🌱 When you see it producing small plantlets with leaves and roots, you can take them and replant.
FAQ - Sumatra Fern
Does it float?
Yes, it grows very well floating, without soil. But it looks nicer upright than lying down. Fixing it allows this.
Can it grow without soil?
Yes, it feeds directly from the water through its leaves. Its "roots" mainly serve to attach to stones and wood.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is very easy to grow and tolerant of parameter variations. It is often one of the first plants people succeed with! Its lush growth is very rewarding.
Is it compatible with shrimp?
Perfectly, it provides them shelter and feeding areas. The dead tissues of the leaves are a permanent resource for them.
Does it flower?
No, because it is a true fern. Ferns are not flowering plants, but they produce spores, like mosses and fungi.
What to do if it yellows?
Check lighting and nutrient presence in the water; it regrows quickly under good conditions.
Additional information
Scientific name: Ceratopteris thalictroides
Plant type: Attached aquatic fern
Packaging: a rooted plant (indicative weight: 10 g)
Guarantee: plants grown without any artificial inputs. No fertilizers, algicides, or antibiotics. Guaranteed free of rock wool and artificial substrate.
Recommendation: As a precautionary principle, please never release this plant into the wild. It is not native to our regions, should normally not naturalize, but we must preserve our ecosystems.
