Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

For many tropical aquariums there is no better all round plant than java fern. This hardy tropical does not need any of it's requirements in large amounts.

To keep plants healthy fertiliser and CO2 are not added to the aquarium. It will generally acquire these needs from the fish waste and dissolved carbon dioxide in the water.

PH variations from 8 down to 6 will suit this plant so fish keepers owning African cichlids through to discus can utelise this. The tough unpalatable nature of the foliage makes it ideal for keeping with plant eating species that tend to gnaw on most other aquatics.

Coming from a Southeast Asian climate Java fern requires a temperature between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius. This places it in a range suitable for most tropical aquaria.

Unlike many other species java fern does not have roots that penetrate the substrate. Instead the rhizome prefers to attach itself to hard rough objects such as logs or rocks. As the growing tip progresses along a surface it will sprout upright leaves while the rhizome trails behind.

Reproduction is achieved by securing young plantlets to a suitable surface. These small plants will grow from the leaves of the mother plant and become free floating after th leaf has decayed.

There are some variations amongst java fern. The regular form will grow leaves up to 30cm in height while the dwarf 'windelov' variant will usually not grow taller than 10cm.

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