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Java Fern — photograph (Wikimedia Commons; see site attributions)

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easylow lightNo CO2 neededslow growthfern

Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

Java Fern is an undemanding, slow-growing fern that thrives when attached to hardscape. Its tough leaves are rarely eaten by fish, making it one of the few plants safe with cichlids and goldfish. New plantlets grow on the leaf margins.

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy
Lightlow
CO2Not needed
FertiliserNot essential
Growth rateslow
Max height30cm
Placementmidground
Min tank20L

Water parameters

Temperature18–30°C
pH6–7.5
Shrimp safeYes
Herbivore risknone
Propagationrhizome division, plantlets on leaves

Beginner guidance

Attach to driftwood with fishing line or plant-safe superglue; never bury the rhizome. Plantlets can be separated and reattached once they have a few roots.

Cautions

  • Rhizome must not be buried in substrate.

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