Tropica Microsorum pteropus Java Fern in Pot

Microsorum pteropus, commonly called Java fern, is a hardy Asian water fern for rocks and aquarium wood. It grows slowly to approximately 15–30 cm tall and provides lasting foliage without high light or CO2 demands.

Attach it to the hardscape

Position the plant on a suitable piece of wood or stone. Fishing line can hold it in place until its roots gain a secure attachment. This lets the fern become part of the hardscape rather than requiring a conventional planted stem group.

If you place it at the bottom of the aquarium, do not cover the rhizome. This horizontal stem must stay exposed; burying it can cause rot. The rhizome and the smaller roots beneath it are different parts of the plant.

Propagation and leaf markings

The plant is easy to propagate by dividing the horizontal rhizome. Each section can then be positioned where it has room to develop without burying the stem.

Black spots beneath the leaves can be sporangia, the fern’s reproductive structures. Their presence is normal and should not automatically be mistaken for disease. The location and character of the spots matter when interpreting the foliage.

Growing conditions and format

This adaptable fern has low light and CO2 requirements and a slow growth rate. It suits layouts where gradual development is preferable to frequent height control.

Microsorum pteropus comes in a 5 cm pot. The pot dimension describes the product format, not the mature size of the fern.

Plant profile

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