Microsorium Pteropus Grand Leaf

🌿 Species Profile

• Common Name: Grand Leaf Java Fern
• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Grand Leaf’
• Plant Type: Rhizome plant (epiphyte)
• Origin: Southeast Asia (cultivated variety)
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Midground to background (attached to hardscape)

🌱 Appearance

• Large, broad, elongated green leaves
• Thicker and more “leafy” than regular Java Fern
• Grows from a horizontal rhizome
• Mature size:
  • Height: 25–45 cm (10–18 in)
  • Width: spreads widely over wood/rocks

Creates a bold jungle-style look in aquariums.

🧪 Tank Requirements

• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: Very adaptable
• Lighting: Low to medium (too much light can cause algae spots)
• CO₂: Not required

🌿 Planting Method

• Do NOT bury rhizome in substrate
• Attach to:
  • Driftwood
  • Lava rock
  • Decorations
• Use thread, fishing line, or aquarium glue

🌿 Feeding & Care

• Feeds from water column (not roots)
• Benefits from:
  • Liquid fertilizers
  • Occasional potassium/iron supplementation
• Very low maintenance overall

Care tips:

• Trim old or damaged leaves at base
• Avoid strong direct light to prevent algae
• Allow space for wide leaf spread

🌱 Propagation

• Very easy:
  • Produces baby plantlets on leaf edges
  • Can also be divided by rhizome cutting

🐟 Aquarium Use

Best for:

• Large driftwood focal pieces
• Jungle-style aquascapes
• Low-tech planted tanks

Compatible with:

• Shrimp
• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Corydoras
• Peaceful community fish