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Microsorum pteropus is a water fern from Asia, 15-30 cm tall. To be grown on a root or stone, attached with fishing line until it has gained a hold. If planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome because it will rot. Easy to propagate by splitting the horizontal rhizome. A hardy plant that grows in all conditions. The black spots under the leaves are sporangia (reproductive organs), not signs of disease, as many believe. The Java Fern, scientifically known as Microsorum pteropus is a classic and very popular aquarium plant.
This delicate looking fern adds a beautiful look to aquariums. It’s widely used due to its slow growth, unique shape and ease of reproduction and care.
It can be kept with a wide range of fish and doesn’t require strict water parameters, which is why it is so appealing to so many people. They are one of the easiest plants to grow for beginners. Like fish, aquatic plants thrive when the tank conditions match their natural conditions as closely as possible.
In its natural climate, Java Fern grows alongside streams and is often found near moving water. Filters and powerheads provide enough oxygen for these plants within the aquarium – they do not need lots of extra CO2.
They are also found on jungle floors, where soft acidic water is sprayed on its leaves from streams and waterfalls. To replicate these conditions, the recommended pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 with a hardness of 3-8dGH.
It’s is an extremely hardy plant and really doesn’t need any special conditions to help it grow. It doesn’t require high light, good substrate or high nutrients, which is why it’s such a dream plant.
You don’t need a fancy tank for it to grow; it will grow in the most simple of setups. Size wise, it can be grown in tanks as small as 10 gallons. We don’t recommend you put it in tanks smaller than this. It will grow in most lighting conditions; the most preferable are subdued florescent or incandescent bulbs. Do not make the lighting too strong – they will become brown and transparent if the lighting is too strong.
If this happens, reduce the lighting or turn it off for a few days until the plant recovers. In the wild, these plants actually grow in the shade and don’t have exposure to strong light.
Ideally, it needs 1.5/2 watts of light for each gallon in your tank, using 5000-7000K bulbs.
Temperature wise, the plant will grow in cold water and tropical tanks, its preferred temperature is between 68-82oF.
Care:
Difficulty: Easy
Lighting: Low to moderate
Temperature: 68-82 F
pH: 6.0-7.5
KH: 3-8
Postage:
Plant will be packed in a plastic bag inside carton box (usually large letter) posted by Royal Mail which will reduce the cost of postage. We spend more time on packing plants which ensures that you receive the plants in a very good condition, not damaged by the pot or not mixed with gel (in-vitro). Therefore, the plants are sent without the pot.
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