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Java Fern

Java FernMicrosorum pteroptusPhoto © Animal-World

   The Java Fern is a good plant to use in aquariums containing herbivorous fish since they will seldom eat it!

   The Java Fern Microsorum pteroptus is an amphibious fern which lives with its rhizome attached to rocks or logs at the edge of mountain streams. In the aquarium the Java Fern should be tied with strings to a rock or log until they attach. They grow at a relatively slow to medium pace, therefore making this an easy plant to keep, and can reach a maxium height of 10 inches.

   It has been reported that Scats may eat this plant, and could die from it.

For more Information on keeping a planted aquarium see:
About Planted Aquariums, Adding Aquatic Plants For a Healthy Aquarium

Distribution:    Java Fern Microsorum pteroptus are found naturally in tropical Southeast Asia: Java to the Philippines. Its genus name is often spelled "Microsorium" in many text books, but it is more currently being written as "Microsorum".

Water conditions / lighting:    Temperature: 64-82° F (18-28° C)
   pH: 5.5 - 7.0
   dCH: 2 - 12

Lighting:
   Light level: Minimal - it is best to keep them away from bright lights.

Propagation:    Java Ferns propagate by sending out shoots at the leaves and roots that become small plants. The photo above shows many small plants growing from the main plant. The roots of the small plants are brown in the photo.

Availability:    The Java Fern is readily available.

Author: Jasmine Brough.

• Java Fern : $4.99

Java Fern Plant Offered By: PetsMart Price: $4.99

Lastest Comments on Java Fern View all 17 comments on Java Fern Add Your Comment

Anonymous - 2012-02-14 Can I put a Java Fern in my one gallon tank with a betta. Charlie Roche - 2012-02-14 It would have to be a really small piece of fern. One gallon is not very big but a little piece is OK - java ferns grow like crazy. Alex Burleson - 2012-02-14 One small piece is fine. However, do note that Java Fern can reach large sizes, and may need to be trimmed back a bit when large. Reply

nm123 - 2012-01-19 thanks for the help Reply

nm123 - 2012-01-17 how long does it take for these plants to reproduce baby plantlets into the substrate? please get back to me asap Charlie Roche - 2012-01-17 There are several ways to reproduce the Java fern and so the time span varies although it seems to be very quick in any method. An article Reproduction Java Fern will give you some insight as to how, how long and what to do. Reply

nm123 - 2012-01-06 Hi i have a java fern that I think is reproducing now. My qustion that I have is how long does it take for a plant seed/shoot to fall off the leaves of my java fern? please get back to me asap Reply

nm123 - 2012-01-03 This type of fern does very well in graval and it will consume almost all the fish food that is near it in the graval but you still need to give the fern at least 5 - 7 hours of aquarium or sunlight every day Reply

Stu - 2011-12-31 Another question, does the java fern grow into the substrate from the rock/driftwood it is tied to? Alex Burleson - 2012-01-01 Generally, they must be tied down. Depending on how soluble the driftwood is, there is a possibility that they will grow into it. Especially, if the wood is more rotten. Reply

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