Initially introduced as an aquarium plant in the 1930s, Ceratopteris thalictroides, or Indian fern, to give it its well-liked name, is really a plant which is used in tropical zones and flourishes greatest in a temperature of above 70° F.
The leaf formation is unmistakably fern-like, the submerged fronds being attached to stems which are rather brittle, and rise from a crown.
If planted in deep water, the stems might reach a length of a couple of feet. In shallow water the leaves will either float just below the surface, or extend themselves above the surface and bear a fine cluster of rather coarse foliage.
This is really a plant that grows readily in artificial light, which, in my opinion, is the very best method to grow it.
Young plants pressed into the sandy bottom of the aquarium, and given the correct quantity of heat and light, will soon grow into strong plants.
It’s just also to replace old plants occasionally with younger ones, as the old plants will turn brown with decay. Snails find them great to eat, so you’ve to replace the plants at fairly frequent intervals.
For propagation Ceratopteris thalictroides develops a ideal miniature of itself among the foliage. These miniatures then detach themselves and float to the surface. This, nevertheless, doesn’t usually occur until component of the leaf or frond has turned brown and withered away. The young plants can then be collected and planted where needed.