Plant Spotlight: java fern

Microsorum pteropus, the java fern, is a striking, hardy plant with lance-shaped leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, this low-maintenance plant thrives in low to moderate light and doesn’t require CO₂ supplementation, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned aquascapers alike.

Java fern is an epiphyte, a type of plant that should not be buried in the substrate. Instead, it’s best attached to driftwood, rocks, or decorations, where its roots will anchor over time. Its versatility and resilience make it an excellent choice for creating lush, natural aquascapes in any freshwater tank.

The variety of leaf shapes and sizes make this plant extremely versatile. Our featured image is the tridentata variety of java fern, which produces much smaller leaves that split into three.