Microsorium Pteropus

🌿 Species Profile

• Common Name: Java Fern
• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus
• Plant Type: Rhizome plant (not a root feeder)
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Midground / background / attached décor

🌱 Appearance

• Long, narrow green leaves with slightly wavy edges
• Grows from a horizontal rhizome (not buried in substrate)
• Forms bushy clusters when mature
• Size:
  • Height: 15–35 cm (6–14 in)
  • Width: spreads slowly over wood/rocks

Different varieties exist:

• Narrow leaf
• Windelov (frilled tips)
• Trident
• Needle leaf

🧪 Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Very adaptable
• Lighting: Low to medium (high light may cause algae on leaves)
• CO₂: Not required

🌿 Substrate & Planting Method

• DO NOT bury the rhizome (it will rot)
• Attach to:
  • Driftwood
  • Rocks
  • Aquarium decorations
• Can be tied with thread or glued with aquarium-safe gel

🌿 Feeding & Care

• Absorbs nutrients from water column
• Benefits from:
  • Liquid fertilizers
  • Occasional iron supplementation
• Very low maintenance

Care tips:

• Remove old or blackened leaves
• Avoid strong direct light to prevent algae growth
• Grows slowly but steadily

🌱 Propagation

• Very easy:
  • Grows plantlets on leaf edges or rhizome
  • Can be separated and attached elsewhere

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Natural aquascapes
• Beginner tanks
• Shrimp tanks
• Low-tech setups

Compatible with:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Shrimp
• Peaceful fish