Needle Leaf Java Fern care guide
Needle Leaf Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf') — low light, 20-28 °C, pH 6-7.8, no CO2.
Overview
Needle Leaf Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf') is an aquatic plant of the family Polypodiaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Compact Java fern with thin, narrow leaves rarely exceeding 15 cm. Excellent for nano tanks and as midground epiphyte; very tolerant and almost untouched by herbivorous fish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Polypodiaceae
- Genus: Microsorum
- Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf'
- Common synonyms: Microsorum 'Needle Leaf'
Habitat
Microsorum pteropus (Java fern) is a tropical fern of South-East Asia growing on rocks and tree roots in streams and waterfalls, frequently above the waterline. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.8
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
Must be tied or glued to wood or rock — the rhizome rots if buried. Tolerates a wide range of light from low to medium intensity. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Reproduces by rhizome division and by plantlets that form on the underside of mature leaves; detached plantlets can be attached to new hardscape. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: rhizome-division, adventitious plantlets on flower stalks.
Common issues
Small black or transparent spots on older leaves are often signs of nutrient deficiency (especially potassium) rather than disease; affected leaves can be removed at the rhizome.