Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern): robust plant to attach for low-tech aquarium
An amphibious plant with tough foliage
Microsorum pteropus, called Java Fern, is a true amphibious fern: in nature, it extends from the bank to the bottom. Its dark green, tough, and decorative foliage resists herbivorous fish particularly well. It is a slow-growing, very tolerant plant ideal for natural or low-tech aquariums.
A little botanical wink: the orange-brown dots visible on the underside of some leaves are sporangia (which produce spores in ferns). Nothing to do with a disease.
Why choose the Java Fern?
- To attach to a root or stone: no substrate needed.
- Low-tech: grows without CO₂, in simple conditions and without fertilizer.
- Robust and very tolerant: soft water, hard water, even slightly brackish, or even... without water in a paludarium!
- Tough leaves: excellent durability with nibbling fish (goldfish).
- Long-lasting decoration in midground or background, its sumptuous dark green highlights lighter plants.
- Easy propagation: by dividing the rhizome, but especially by taking the young plantlets that form at the tips of the leaves.
Planting and cultivation tips
- Never bury the rhizome (risk of rot).
- Attach the plant to a root or a stone (fishing line, soft tie, or wedging between two stones for example).
- Light: low to medium. Perfect for planting in a less illuminated corner.
- Flow: moderate current. Avoid direct strong flow on the fronds.
- Maintenance: remove very old and browning leaves. Divide the rhizome from time to time. Replant the baby ferns growing at the tips of the leaves.
- Temperature: tropical plant (optimal 20 to 28 °C). Reserved for aquarium or paludarium (does not tolerate cold outdoors).
Possible uses
- Low-tech aquarium: structuring plant without technical substrate, CO₂, or fertilizer.
- Aquascaping: natural covering of roots and rocks, use of shaded areas, dark green background to play with shades.
- Paludarium / open tank: emergent growth possible in humid areas, allows for stunning decorations.
- Killifish aquariums: its low light requirement makes it suitable for tanks of species that appreciate dim lighting.
FAQ – Microsorum pteropus / Java Fern
How to fix it properly?
Position the rhizome in contact with a root or a stone and tie it (fishing line, soft tie). It will then attach itself.
Is CO₂ necessary?
No. It grows without CO₂ in a balanced tank. Its slow growth does not require any CO₂ or fertilizer input.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the most tolerant plants to start your first aquarium.
Can I place it on the substrate?
Yes, if the rhizome remains unburied. Never bury it; it is better to attach it to a decorative element.
What is its growth rate?
Rather slow. Rely on rhizome division and even more on plantlets formed at the tips of the leaves to propagate it.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus
- Plant type: slow-growing aquatic fern
- Light: rather moderate, even low.
- Ideal temperature: 20 to 28°C, minimum 16°C.
- Size: can reach 40 cm for the largest mature specimens under optimal conditions.
- Packaging: 6 specimens (indicative weight: 10 g).
- Guarantee: without rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind.
- 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.
