Microsorum Pteropus

Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus
• Common Name: Java Fern
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)
• Height: 15–30 cm (6–12 inches)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care: Easy – very hardy and low maintenance
• Light: Low to Moderate – tolerates low light, but moderate light improves growth
• CO₂: Optional – does well without CO₂ supplementation
• Propagation: Rhizome division or plantlets on leaves – divide rhizomes or separate baby plants from mother leaves
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate

  Additional Notes:

  • Does not require substrate planting; rhizome must be attached to wood, rocks, or décor to prevent rot.
  • Popular for aquariums due to low care and interesting leaf shapes.
  • Can grow emersed or submerged.
  • Good for shaded areas or tanks with low light.
  • Resistant to many common aquarium pests and algae.