Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) - The Hobby's Toughest Beginner Epiphyte

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a hardy, beginner-friendly aquarium plant, popular for its low-maintenance care and attractive rippled leaves. Best attached to driftwood or rock rather than planted in substrate.

Its tolerance for a huge range of water conditions makes it one of the safest plant choices for a first planted tank.

At N8 Aquatics, our aquarium plants are grown and quarantined to ensure healthy, pest-free stock that's ready for your tank.

Plant Snapshot

• Size Sold: Small, Medium, Large
• Mature Size: Medium, with rippled, textured leaves
• Placement: Mid-ground to background
• Lighting: Low to moderate
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Difficulty: Easy

Ideal Habitat and Care

Java Fern is an epiphyte, so it should never be planted in substrate. Attach the rhizome to driftwood, rock, or hardscape with thread, aquarium-safe glue, or by wedging it into a crevice, and allow the roots to spread naturally across the surface. Burying the rhizome is the most common cause of rot.

• Temperature: 20-28°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• CO2: Not required
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, low nutrient demand

Propagation & Trimming

Java Fern is propagated by dividing the rhizome, or by removing plantlets that form naturally on older leaves.

• Cut the rhizome with a sharp, clean blade, keeping at least 2-3 leaves per section
• Small plantlets growing on mature leaf edges can be gently removed and re-attached to hardscape once they've developed a few roots
• Trim old, blackened, or algae-affected leaves at the base to encourage fresh growth

Compatibility

Java Fern's tough, leathery leaves resist grazing and its epiphyte growth habit means it's never at risk from fish that dig or uproot substrate plants, making it one of the most bulletproof community plant choices available.

Suitable tankmates include:

• Herbivorous and grazing fish, including plecos and other algae eaters
• Cichlids and other fish that typically uproot softer stem plants
• Shrimp and snails, which use the leaves as a grazing and resting surface

Avoid keeping with large, determined plant-eaters such as silver dollars or grass carp, which can still damage even tough Java Fern leaves over time.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Grown and quarantined for healthy, pest-free stock
• Established rhizomes ready to attach to hardscape
• Beginner friendly
• Grower support if you have questions

Shipping Information

Unlike our live fish and invertebrates, aquarium plants are able to be shipped.

Plants are carefully packed to arrive in good condition, with standard shipping available at checkout.

Explore More

Browse the full range of aquarium plants at N8 Aquatics, check out our available fish for stocking ideas that pair well with hardscape plants.