Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf

Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf - Narrow-leaved Java Fern with Elegant Leaves

The Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf, also known as the Narrow-Leaf Java Fern, is an elegant variety of the popular Java fern with characteristically narrow, elongated fronds. This robust fern grows up to 20 cm tall and is perfect for the mid-range of your aquarium. With its graceful leaf structure and vibrant green color, the Narrow Leaf creates a beautiful contrast with broad-leaved plants and provides a natural, lush appearance.

Why choose Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf?

• Narrow, elegant leaves: Characteristic elongated leaf structure
• Vibrant green color: Fresh look that immediately stands out
• Compact size: Maximum 20cm high, perfect for mid-range
• Dense growth: Creates shady areas and hiding places
• Very robust: Resistant to most fish, including cichlids
• Low light requirements: Ideal for aquariums with little lighting
• Slow grower: Minimal maintenance, stable plant
• Versatile placement: on wood, stone or in the ground

Care and Placement

The Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf is a rhizome plant, meaning the rootstock (rhizome) should not be buried under sand or gravel. You can use the plant in several ways:

• On decoration: Attach with thin wire or aquarium glue to driftwood or stones
• Mid-zone: Perfect as a mid-ground plant
• In contrast: The narrow leaves form a nice contrast with broad-leaved plants
• Groupings: Combine multiple plants for a lush, forest-like effect
• Shade Zones: The dense leaves create natural hiding places

The plant grows slowly and, over time, naturally attaches itself to the decorative material with its roots. The narrow leaves look best in low light.

Technical Specifications

• Placement: Middle zone | on wood and/or stone
• Maximum height: 20 cm
• Leaf type: Narrow, elongated, fern-like
• Leaf color: Vibrant green
• Temperature: 20-28°C
• pH: 5.0-8.0
• KH: 0-21
• CO2: 5-40 mg/l (not required, but promotes growth)
• Light requirements: Little
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Family: Polypodiaceae
• Type: Rhizome plant (fern)
• Dutch name: Narrow-leaved Java fern
• Propagation: Via adventitious plantlets on the leaves

Perfect for Natural Aquascapes

The Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf is ideal for aquascapers looking for an elegant fern with narrow leaves. This plant is perfect for:

• Nature Aquarium style with natural planting
• Biotope aquariums (Southeast Asian biotopes)
• Cichlid aquariums (robust leaves)
• Low-tech aquariums with little light
• As a mid-ground plant with a contrasting effect
• Aquariums where you want to create shade zones
• Wabi-kusa setups
• Paludaria

Combination tips

Combine Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf with broad-leaved plants like Anubias Barteri for a beautiful contrast in leaf structure. 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 narrow leaves create a beautiful contrast with the rounded leaves of plants like Anubias Nana.