Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Also sold as Leptochilus · Javafern
Synonyms Leptochilus pteropus · Microsorium pteropus
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is an epiphyte for rock and wood and the background, growing to about 25 cm (9.8 in) at a slow pace. It wants 64–82°F (18–28°C), low light and no CO₂, and counts as an easy plant to keep alive.
At a glance
| Type | Epiphyte |
|---|---|
| Light | LowThe least light it survives in, not the light it looks best in. |
| CO₂ | Not neededWhether it survives without added CO₂ — not whether CO₂ would help it grow faster. |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | 64–82°F (18–28°C) |
| Max height | 25 cm (9.8 in)Grown submersed, left to mature, never trimmed. |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Placement | attached to rock or wood |
| pH | 6–8 |
Before it goes in
- Java Fern lives under a plain low-light LED — it does not need a planted-tank lamp to survive.
- It grows without CO₂.
- Glue or tie it to rock or wood. Buried in the substrate the rhizome rots, which is the usual way Java Fern is killed.
- Expect it to melt back a few weeks after planting and regrow from the roots — pulling it out at that point is the mistake.
- At about 25 cm (9.8 in) it belongs behind everything shorter — planted at the front it hides the rest of the scape and shades it.
Can it grow without CO₂?
Yes. Java Fern does not need CO₂ at all.
How much light does it need?
Low light is enough — and that is the survival line, not the “it looks better” line.
How big does it get?
About 25 cm (9.8 in) tall when it is mature and untrimmed, growing slowly, after roughly 4 weeks to root in.
Can I attach it to wood or rock?
Yes, and that is the only way to keep it. Glue or tie it down; buried in the substrate the rhizome rots.
Why is it melting?
That is normal for this one. It usually drops its existing leaves a few weeks after planting and regrows from the roots — leave it in place and it comes back.
What it goes with
- Plants that run on the same light and CO₂, so they can share a tank without one of them being the odd one out: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Cryptocoryne wendtii and Frogbit.
- Animals that share its temperature range and will not eat or uproot it: Betta, Cherry Shrimp, Angelfish and Bristlenose Pleco.
Often compared with
| Java Fern | Java Fern 'Trident' | Java Fern 'Narrow' | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Low | Low | Low |
| CO₂ | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Max height | 25 cm | 25 cm | 30 cm |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Easy |
More plants
Sources (1)
- pH, Meltingaquariumbreeder.comSep 2026