
A simple, inexpensive light is fine.ĭon’t plant in regular aquarium substrate. The plant requires no specialized fish tank equipment. Java fern for aquariums isn’t choosy about its surroundings and even grows in brackish water. If you’re planting a java fern in a fish tank, keep in mind that a larger tank is best because the plant can grow to around 14 inches (36 cm.) tall, with a similar width. The leaves generally aren’t nibbled by fish, but they love hiding in the nooks and crannies between stems and leaves. Planting in a fish tank is easy and java fern care is uninvolved. All are unique in appearance, but the growth requirements and care are the same. There are several varieties of java fern for aquariums, including Windilov, Needle Leaf, Fern Trident, and Narrow Leaf. Interested in growing java fern for aquariums? Read on for basic information on growing this interesting plant. Native to southeast Asia, java fern attaches itself to rocks or other porous surfaces in rivers and streams where the strong roots keep the plant from being washed away in the current. In fact, java fern ( Microsorum pteropus) is an amazing plant easy enough for beginners, but interesting enough to hold the interest of experienced growers. Just make sure to keep it trimmed back to prevent it from becoming too bushy, especially in smaller tanks.Is java fern easy to grow? It sure is. It’s easy to plant and can be attached to just about any surface you can dream up. This plant has thick leaves that are typically ignored by fish that like to eat live plants. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and requires minimal lighting to thrive. Java fern is a fantastic plant for your tropical freshwater tank.

Image Credit: chonlasub woravichan, Shutterstock

Aim to trim your Java fern regularly and remove plantlets as needed to prevent overgrowth.
#Java fern aquarium plant full#
The primary concern would be that this plant can get quite full and take up a lot of tank space, especially once it starts reproducing. When it comes to potential concerns for your tank, there are very few. Thankfully, Java fern has not shown itself to be particularly invasive in the United States. Image Credit: You Touch Pix of EuToch, Shutterstock

This is one of the most popular aquarium plants and is extremely easy to find in brick-and-mortar stores and online shops. When it comes to finding Java fern in the Western world, you don’t have to look further than the shelves of your local pet stores. The Java fern is named for its origin on the island of Java, although it is native to a variety of parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and China. They serve a reproductive function for the plant, much like the dark bumps that appear on the leaves of terrestrial ferns as well. However, dark bumps on the leaves are normal as these plants grow. These are often incorrectly identified as everything from snail or fish eggs to fungal infections. The mature size of the plant is dependent on the variety, but most Java ferns don’t grow beyond 13–14 inches in height.Īs they age, many Java ferns will develop dark bumps on the leaves. There are multiple varieties of Java fern, but they all have long leaves that grow near each other, giving the plant a bushy and full appearance. It has thick leaves that are often left alone by fish prone to eating plants, like goldfish.

It consists of rhizomes and leaves, but lacks true roots. The Java fern can grow on a variety of surfaces, thanks to its rhizomes that help root it in place.
