Microsorum Pteropus

Microsorum Pteropus - Java Fern | The Most Popular Aquarium Plant

The Microsorum Pteropus, better known as Java fern, is one of the most popular and best-selling aquarium plants in the world. This extremely hardy fern can withstand almost any conditions—hard or soft water, low or high light—and is therefore not eaten by fish. With its elegant fern-like fronds and a maximum height of 50 cm, the Java fern is perfect for the middle and back of your aquarium and ideal for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

Why choose Microsorum Pteropus (Java Fern)?

• Extremely robust: Can withstand almost all water conditions
• Very popular: One of the best-selling aquarium plants worldwide
• Broad tolerance: Hard or soft water, little or a lot of light
• Not edible for fish: Not eaten, even by cichlids
• Impressive size: Maximum 50 cm high, perfect for middle and rear areas
• Easy to install: Adheres to wood and stone
• Unique propagation: Small plants grow on the leaves
• Wide temperature tolerance: Thrives at 15-30°C

Care and Placement

The Microsorum Pteropus is a rhizome plant, meaning the rootstock (rhizome) should NOT be buried under sand or gravel. This is crucial – if the roots are left in the substrate, they can rot and the plant may die. You can use the plant in several ways:

• On decoration: Attach with thin wire or aquarium glue to driftwood or stones
• Middle and back zone: Perfect for both zones depending on aquarium size
• As an accent: The fern-like leaves create a natural effect
• Groupings: Combine multiple plants for a lush, forest-like effect

Over time, the plant naturally attaches itself to the decorative material with its roots. The Java fern propagates uniquely by producing small, young shoots on its leaves, which you can cut off and replant elsewhere.

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Center & back zone | on wood and/or stone
• Maximum height: 50 cm
• Leaf type: Fern-like, finely branched
• Leaf color: Bright to dark green
• Temperature: 15-30°C
• pH: 5.0-8.0
• KH: 0-14
• CO2: 5-40 mg/l (not required)
• Light requirements: Normal (little to a lot of light possible)
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Family: Polypodiaceae
• Type: Rhizome plant (fern)
• Dutch name: Java fern
• Propagation: Via adventitious plantlets on the leaves

Perfect for All Aquariums

The Microsorum Pteropus (Java Fern) is ideal for almost any type of aquarium. This plant is perfect for:

• Beginners who want a reliable, easy plant
• Nature Aquarium style with natural planting
• Biotope aquariums (Southeast Asian biotopes)
• Cichlid aquariums (not eaten)
• Low-tech aquariums with little light
• High-tech aquariums with lots of light
• Wabi-kusa setups
• Paludaria
• Coldwater aquariums (up to 15°C)

Combination tips

Combine Microsorum Pteropus with Anubias species for a beautiful contrast between fern-like and broad leaves. It also pairs perfectly with Java moss on the same decorative material. For a natural Southeast Asian habitat, combine the plant with Cryptocoryne species and driftwood. The Java fern is so versatile that it complements almost any other plant.

Note: NEVER plant the rhizome in the substrate—this is the most common mistake with Java ferns. The plant should always be attached to a decorative element or remain above the substrate with the rhizome!