Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Aquarium Plants > Java Fern

Java Fern

Java Fern
Microsorium pteroptus

Photo © 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 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 but will die from it.

For more Information on keeping a planted aquarium see:
Guide to a Healthy Planted Aquarium

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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.

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Latest Comments
I have taken care of this plant and I would say that thess plants are tough. They breed easily, too. This is one of my favourite aquarium plants. bob 2008-03-21
there is no excuse not to grow this on a nice peice of bogwood. It can be a pain until it establishes its roots, because it may float around helplessly if not properly tied down. Many people also buy a plant, it entirely dies down to the root but new plants sprout from the dying leaves. this is normal. once established it is absolutely majestic, and will make even a new setup seem ageless. It grows fairly slowly, but once secure in its new setting, it can send out new extensions in all directions very quickly. java fern looks lovely next to anubias, which can also be grown on bogwood. every tank would benefit from this EASY to care for and very lovely plant. Barbara 2006-02-14
I've had a few of these plants for a few years and they are very tough. I had them in a place with non-sufficient lighting for a long time and they survived for a year with little damage to the plant. Anonymous 2005-06-25
Some of the coolest comments:
Wonderful Plant!!! Attach to bogwood, stones, etc, and allow to grow down it and cascade into the soil. Not at all picky. WILL NOT BE EATEN BY RAMSHORN SNAILS! Grows quickly and is undemanding. I have kept the same plant for 5 years, never had a single complaint. Barbara 2003-11-18
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
Great information. I've seen people call the shoots that Java Fern produce bearded algea. Thanks for the accurate data. StillWater 2005-05-24

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Author: Jasmine Brough.

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