Microsorum Pteropus - Java Fern on Driftwood

Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern)

Microsorum pteropus, commonly known as Java Fern, is one of the most popular and dependable aquarium plants in the hobby. Valued for its durability and classic deep-green leaves, this plant thrives in a wide range of aquarium conditions and is ideal for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

Java Fern is a rhizome plant and should be attached to rocks or driftwood rather than planted in substrate. Once established, it grows steadily with minimal care and tolerates low light, variable water parameters, and even cooler temperatures. Its tough leaves are generally ignored by fish that may nibble on softer plants.

This plant is an excellent choice for community tanks, shrimp tanks, low-tech aquariums, and natural or jungle-style aquascapes.

Key Features

• Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly

• Thrives in low light and low-tech setups

• Does not require CO₂

• Rhizome plant – ideal for hardscape attachment

• Resistant to most plant-eating fish

Care Requirements

• Difficulty: Easy

• Light: Low to Medium

• CO₂: Not required

• Growth Rate: Slow to Medium

• Placement: Midground / Background / Hardscape

• Temperature: 18–28 °C

Planting & Care Tips

Attach Java Fern to rocks or driftwood using thread or aquarium-safe glue. Do not bury the rhizome, as this can cause rot. Propagation is easy—new plantlets will form on older leaves and can be gently removed once mature.