🌿 Microsorum pteropus – Large Size Java Fern for Instant Impact

Microsorum pteropus, commonly known as Java Fern, is one of the most beloved and beginner-friendly aquatic plants in the hobby. This special large size variant, standing approximately 8–10 inches tall, is ideal for aquarists seeking a more mature, ready-to-display plant to add instant structure and greenery to their aquascape.

At Aquarium Plants Factory, we cultivate these large-size Java Ferns in emersed conditions, resulting in strong, vibrant leaves and thick rhizomes that transition beautifully when submerged. The classic, sword-like leaves are rich green in color and fan outward in a graceful arch, making them perfect for midground to background placement in medium to large aquariums.

Java Fern is a rhizome-based plant and should always be attached to driftwood, rocks, or other hardscape. Never bury the rhizome in substrate, as this may lead to rot. It is incredibly hardy, low maintenance, and adaptable to a wide range of water parameters—making it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

🌟 Key Features:

• Special Large Size: Grows approx. 8–10" tall—perfect for instant visual impact

• Hardy & Adaptable: Tolerates various lighting and water conditions

• Attachable Rhizome: Secure to wood or stone—do not bury

• Low-Tech Friendly: Grows without CO₂ and requires minimal fertilization

• Classic Aquascaping Plant: A staple for nature-style and traditional aquascapes

🔎 Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus

• Synonyms: Leptochilus pteropus

• Common Names: Java Fern

• Plant Type: Rhizome plant

• Placement: Midground / Background (Attach to hardscape)

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Lighting: Low to Medium

• Origin: Southeast Asia

💡 Optimal Growing Conditions:

• Lighting: Low to medium light preferred

• CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ not required; occasional fertilization supports long-term health

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🌱 Growth & Propagation:

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Nutrient Substrate: Not required

• Can Grow Emersed: Yes

• Propagation Method: Rhizome division

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:

• Bare-root Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, loose rhizome (8–10 inches tall)

• Bunched Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight (8–10 inches tall)

• Potted Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot (8–10 inches tall)

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown.

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Never release Java Fern—or any aquarium plant—into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings and unwanted portions responsibly to protect local ecosystems.