Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) Care Guide
Hardy epiphytic fern from Southeast Asia. Attaches to wood or rock, tolerates low light and most water types, and reproduces via plantlets on its own leaves.
Overview
Microsorum pteropus is a highly variable aquatic and semi-aquatic fern in the family Polypodiaceae. Several cultivars are common in the trade, including narrow-leaf, needle-leaf, Windelov, trident and lance-leaf forms. It is one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Polypodiaceae
- Genus: Microsorum
- Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus
Habitat
Native to Malaysia, Thailand, northeastern India and southern China. The common name references the Indonesian island of Java. In nature it grows attached to rocks, wood and humid riparian surfaces, often partially emersed.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any (epiphytic; rhizome must not be buried)
- Maximum height: about 30 cm
- Growth rate: slow
Placement
Use as a midground to background specimen. Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rock with cotton thread, fishing line or cyanoacrylate gel; the roots will eventually grip the surface on their own. Burying the rhizome causes it to rot.
Propagation
Reproduces asexually through small adventitious plantlets that form along leaf margins and tips. Once a plantlet develops several leaves and visible roots it can be detached and attached to new hardscape. Rhizome division is also possible.
Common issues
Black or transparent patches on leaves can indicate Java fern melt, typically caused by sudden parameter shifts or insufficient nutrients; remove the worst leaves and the plant will regrow. A buried rhizome will rot from the base.