Java Fern (Microsorium Pteropus)

Java Fern (Microsorium Pteropus)

Java Fern is one of the true “signature” plants in the aquarium hobby—hardy, low-maintenance, and perfect for tanks built around rocks and driftwood. Its long, deep green, strap-like leaves instantly give your aquascape a mature, natural look and provide great cover for fish and shrimp, all without demanding special lighting, substrate, or CO₂.

Java Fern Overview

Microsorum pteropus, commonly known as Java Fern, originates from Southeast Asia and has become a staple plant for both beginners and advanced aquascapers. Unlike most stem plants, Java Fern grows from a horizontal rhizome and produces broad, leathery leaves that stand out beautifully against finer, feathery species. The bold leaf shape and tough texture give the plant a very different “feel” compared to typical bunch plants.

In the aquarium, Java Fern:

• Produces long, dark green leaves that sway gently in the current
• Attaches naturally to rocks, driftwood, and décor, making it ideal for hardscape-centered layouts
• Instantly makes a tank look more mature and “rooted,” especially when several plants are grouped along wood and rock
• Provides excellent shelter and grazing surfaces for shrimp, fry, and small fish
• Tolerates tanks with more aggressive or boisterous fish, as its leaves are tough and generally unpalatable

A mature Java Fern can reach about 8–10 inches in height. When several plants are attached along a branch or rock structure, they create a rich, forest-like effect that looks like it grew there naturally.

Caring for Java Fern

Java Fern is very forgiving and adapts easily to a wide range of aquarium conditions. It does not require high light, special substrate, or CO₂, which makes it a great choice for low-tech and beginner setups. The most important rule in keeping Java Fern healthy is how you position it. The rhizome—the thick, horizontal “stem” from which the leaves and roots grow—must never be buried in the substrate or it can rot.

The preferred method is to attach Java Fern directly to hardscape. You can anchor the rhizome to rocks, driftwood, or other hard décor using cotton thread, fishing line, or our Aquascaping Glue available at Modern Aquarium. Over time, the roots will naturally wrap around and grip the surface on their own. This approach not only keeps the plant healthy but also showcases Java Fern at its best, instantly making the tank look more natural and established. Alternatively, you can position the plant at the substrate line so that only the roots are in the sand or gravel while the rhizome remains fully exposed above the substrate. This can work in areas without hardscape as long as the rhizome is not covered.

Java Fern is a relatively slow grower, so it will not quickly overrun your tank. Older leaves may eventually become too crinkled or dark; these can be trimmed or removed to keep the plant looking fresh. It is also normal to see dark spots on the undersides of healthy leaves—these are spores, not damage. New baby plants will form from these spots and can be separated and attached elsewhere once they are large enough. Because it isn’t rooted in the substrate like stem or carpeting plants, Java Fern is especially well-suited for tanks with fish that dig or rearrange the bottom; attached to rocks and wood, it stays where you put it and maintains a clean, intentional layout.

• Light: Low–Moderate (too much light can encourage algae on leaves)
• Temperature Range: 64–86°F
• Placement: Midground (or low background when attached higher on hardscape)
• CO₂: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Java Fern is also available potted, on a mat, and in several attractive forms, including Narrow Leaf, Trident, and Windelov (Lacy), allowing you to combine different leaf shapes and textures in a single aquascape.

Plants at Modern Aquarium

At Modern Aquarium, every Java Fern is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared by hand before shipping so you receive a healthy plant that’s ready to attach to your hardscape and enjoy right away.

• Top Quality Store: Modern Aquarium has been designated by Google as a Top Quality Store on Google and has thousands of individual verified reviews from real customers, so you can shop with confidence.
• Live Arrival Guarantee & Fast Shipping: All of our live plants are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee and are shipped via FedEx 2-Day delivery to help ensure they reach you healthy, fresh, and ready to thrive.
• Trusted Sourcing: Our plants are sourced from some of the best nurseries in Florida and are handled with care from the grower to your aquarium.
• What You See Is What You Get: The images on our site are typical representations of the plants we sell—no unrealistic stock photos. Because live plants are natural products, individual specimens will vary in size, fullness, and leaf pattern.
• Support When You Need It: Not sure how to attach Java Fern, whether to use thread or our Aquascaping Glue, or how to combine it with other plants and hardscape? You can reach us through the chat feature on our website or simply give us a call—we’re happy to help with practical, hobby-focused guidance.

For a natural, hardscape-centered aquascape, pair Java Fern with our driftwood, aquascaping rocks, and hardy plants like Anubias, Java Moss, or low foreground species from our live aquarium plants collection. Supplement with quality plant fertilizers such as Thrive to support overall plant health, and consider adding Tiger Eye Nerite Snails or mystery snails to help keep rocks, wood, and leaves free of excess algae—creating a clean, lush, and easy-to-maintain Java Fern–based aquascape.