Java Fern, Medium (Microsorum pteropus) – Low-Light Epiphyte for Driftwood & Rock
The fern that grows on wood, not in the substrate.
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus, also classified as Leptochilus pteropus) is a slow, tough fern with long green leaves up to 10–20 inches. It grows attached to driftwood and rock, so you can put greenery anywhere in the tank.
The problem
Most plants need to go into the substrate and need decent light. Java fern does neither, and it's the plant most often killed by planting it wrong.
The Father Fish way
In a Father Fish tank the soil feeds the rooted plants. Java fern is for the hardscape: wood, stones and caves, where cichlids and goldfish usually leave it alone.
Your plan
- Attach it, don't plant it. Tie the rhizome to wood or rock with cotton thread or fishing line, or use gel superglue. Never bury the rhizome in sand or soil.
- Keep the light low. Strong light can burn the leaves.
- Be patient. It grows slowly. Baby plants form on older leaves and can be moved.
What you get
- 1 medium Java fern
- Leaves 10–20 inches, slow growth
- Low light. 64–86°F, soft or hard water.
Good to know: Neat rows of dark dots under mature leaves are spores and harmless. Brown patches elsewhere usually mean old leaves or a buried rhizome.
Why it matters
Bury the rhizome and it rots. Tie it to wood and it lasts for years.
FAQ
- Can I plant it in the sand? No. Attach it to wood or rock.
- What are the black dots? Spores, if they're in neat rows under the leaves.
- Is it safe with cichlids or goldfish? Its tough leaves are rarely eaten.
- How fast does it grow? Slowly.
