Propagating Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' (Trident Java Fern)

How to propagate Trident Java Fern by dividing the rhizome and harvesting adventitious plantlets from the leaf tips, then tying or gluing it to wood or rock.

Overview

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' is a refined Java Fern variety with narrow, deeply forked leaf lobes. Like all Java Ferns it is an epiphyte: it attaches to surfaces with the roots growing from its rhizome rather than rooting into substrate. It is hardy, snail resistant, tolerant of low to medium light, and a slow grower, which makes it a forgiving choice for aquascapes and bare-bottom tanks alike.

Java Fern propagates so readily on its own that the main job is to harvest and reattach the new plants. Both rhizome division and the plantlets it sheds give you genetically identical copies of the parent.

Propagation Method

There are two reliable routes. The first is rhizome division: cutting the horizontal rhizome into sections that each carry leaves and roots. The second is adventitious plantlets, which form at the tips and margins of mature leaves; once they grow their own roots they drop off and attach to nearby surfaces. A stressed or dying leaf can release as many as twenty babies, so this fern almost propagates itself.

Rhizome division into pieces that each keep leaves and roots.
Adventitious plantlets on the leaf tips and margins, detached when rooted.

Step-by-Step

Choose a mature plant and cut the rhizome into sections, leaving at least a few leaves and roots on each piece.
Alternatively, wait for tiny plantlets to form on the leaf tips and let them grow their own roots.
Detach mature plantlets, or simply let leaves with babies float until each plantlet is self-supporting.
Tie each division or plantlet onto wood, rock, or décor with thread, or fix it with a bead of super glue gel held for about 30 seconds and left to air dry.
Leave it in place; the roots from the rhizome will grip the surface naturally over the following weeks.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Trident Java Fern thrives in low to medium light and does not need CO2 or a nutrient-rich substrate; it can be grown in tap water with or without gravel and does well in established tanks with a higher fish load. Very intense light can burn or melt the leaves, so keep it shaded or in the mid-light range. Growth is slow, so be patient between propagation rounds.

Maintenance

Trim away old, blackened, or melting leaves at the rhizome to keep the plant tidy and to encourage fresh growth. Remove fallen plantlets that land where you do not want them. Once a division has gripped its surface, the thread or glue can be left in place since the roots take over the hold.

Common Challenges

Rhizome rot from burying the rhizome in substrate — keep it exposed and attached on top.
Burned or melted leaves under very high light — reduce intensity or shade the plant.
Unwanted plantlets settling around the tank as stressed leaves shed many babies.