Description

Microsorum Pteropus Java Fern Bunched Aquarium Plant

Microsorum Pteropus (Java Fern) is a horizontal rhizome on which leaves develop upright and is a great mid-background plant. It is easy to keep but the roots should not b buried in your substrate but attached to rocks or driftwood. Size: 15-30cm Optimum pH: 5 – 8 Lighting: low Temperature: 18-30 degrees celcius Difficulty: 1 (1 = Easy 5 = Difficult) Plant Arrangement: Mid-Background

Growing Java Fern is very easy and highly recommended for beginners. It does not have particularly high needs in terms of lighting and care. Feed weekly with liquid fertiliser to give the plant all the nutrients needed for healthy growth. It is also one of the few species recommended for goldfish and cichlid keepers as the plant is reputed to taste terrible, making it less likely to be targeted by fish that are known for eating plants.

Microsorum Pteropus is an epiphyte, which means that it feeds directly from the water column, rather than the substrate. As a result, it is best to attach the plant to rocks, ornaments and wood using aquarium glue or sewing thread. The plant will reproduce through the small spores attached to the back of the leaf. The spores, when mature will first begin to sprout black roots that look a lot like black beard algae. They will then produce small leaves and when the leaves are around 2cm, the new baby ferns can be detached from the mother plant and transferred elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Java Fern a good beginners plant?

At Shirley Aquatics, we recommend Java Fern as one of the top 3 most beginner friendly plants. They are as easy going as an aquarium plant can get! They are not fussy about light, they don’t need substrate, they don’t need CO2 and they self propagate. What more could you ask for in a plant?

How do I plant my Java Fern?

Java Fern doesn’t require substrate. It performs best when attached to rocks, wood or ornaments. First you should remove the weight and the sponge from your bunch. Neither of these are needed and the sponge would actually encourage rotting in the stem. You can then attach your Java Fern by the stem to the object you have chosen. Use either aquarium glue or simple sewing thread and you’re all done!

Do I need to feed this plant?

Maybe. This depends entirely on the nutrient levels available in your aquarium. If you find that you have algae, then there are plenty of nutrients and adding more basic fertiliser will only exacerbate it. You should however periodically supplement your tank with targeted fertilisers like Seachem Potassium and Seachem Iron as these elements can be depleted over time and would need replacing.

Does this plant need CO2?

Not really. Of course, all aquarium plants benefit from CO2 injections, but some, like Java Fern are so good at growing under any condition that they will not suffer if you choose not to go down the CO2 route.

Why Is My Java Fern Turning Brown?

Small brown or black spots on Microsorum Pteropus leaves are often completely normal and may indicate the formation of new plantlets. However, widespread browning or deterioration can be caused by poor water quality, nutrient deficiencies or natural leaf ageing. Older leaves will eventually die back as new growth develops.

 

If you have any questions about this Microsorum Pteropus Bunched Plant and whether it’s suitable for your aquarium, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your queries.

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