Java Fern Windelov/Lace (Microsorium Pteropus v. Windelov)

Java Fern Windelov Lace

Java Fern Windelov—often called Windelov Lace Java Fern—is a refined, “premium-looking” twist on the classic Java Fern. Instead of simple leaf tips, Windelov develops elegant, finely branched ends that give it a lacy, sculpted texture in the aquascape. It’s still the same beginner-friendly, low-fuss plant Java Fern is famous for—just with a more detailed, showpiece finish that looks great in both natural and modern layouts.

Java Fern Windelov Overview

Windelov is a rhizome (epiphyte) plant, meaning it’s designed to grow attached to hardscape rather than buried like a typical rooted stem. That makes it an ideal choice for aquarists who want a planted look without worrying about substrate digging fish or complicated planting.

Aquarists appreciate Java Fern Windelov for:

• Lacy leaf tips: a high-end texture that stands out without needing bright light
• Hardscape-first growth: naturally suited to driftwood and rocks (no planting required)
• Tough, fish-resistant leaves: generally ignored by many nibblers compared to softer plants
• Easy propagation: produces plantlets on older leaves and can be divided at the rhizome

If you want one plant that looks “aquascaped” the moment it goes in, Windelov is a great bet.

For layout ideas, attach or wedge Windelov into crevices on Seiryu Rock so the frilly leaf tips soften the stone’s edges and add a natural “grown-in” feel. Pair it with darker wood like Blackwood for a classic contrast look, then finish the scene with a light scatter of botanicals—Aquatic Catappa Leaves for a realistic leaf-litter accent and a couple of Aquatic Bael Pods tucked near the wood/rock transition to make the base of the scape feel established and habitat-true.

Caring for Java Fern Windelov Lace

Windelov is extremely adaptable: it tolerates low light, doesn’t need a special substrate, and does well across a wide range of water conditions. The one “rule” that matters is simple: never bury the rhizome (the thick horizontal stem). If the rhizome is buried, it can rot—Windelov is happiest when attached to wood/rock with thread, gel superglue, or simply wedged into a hardscape gap.

Propagation is also easy. Under good conditions, Java Ferns often produce little daughter plants on older leaves; once the plantlets are a bit larger, you can detach and attach them elsewhere. You can also divide longer rhizomes into sections (making sure each section has healthy leaves) to expand your planting.

• Light: Low to Moderate
• Temperature Range: 68–82°F
• Placement: Foreground–Midground (excellent on hardscape)
• CO₂: Not required (beneficial)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Slow to Medium

Once it’s positioned correctly on hardscape, Windelov is mostly a “set it and enjoy it” plant. Keep it in low–moderate light (too much light can encourage algae on slow-growing leaves), give it gentle flow to keep debris from settling on the frilly tips, and trim away any older leaves that decline so the plant stays clean and display-ready. Over time, the rhizome slowly creeps and thickens, and those signature lace tips make even a simple rock-and-wood layout look more detailed and intentional—especially when you cluster multiple plants to create a cohesive “fern line” across your hardscape.

Java Fern Windelov is also available in other forms, including potted, Java Fern Pteropus, Narrow Leaf, Java Fern Trident, and as a mat.

Shop with Confidence for Aquarium Plants at Modern Aquarium

At Modern Aquarium, we strive to bring you healthy, beautiful specimens in every order. While the photos on our website are just examples of what you will receive, we do examine each plant in person before shipping it to you. If you have any questions about what to expect from your order, how to plant your new specimen, or the best starter plants for your tank, reach out to us any time!

• Hand-inspected & prepared plants: Every plant is inspected and prepped before shipping so you receive healthy specimens, not a “grab-bag” pull.
• Fast, reliable shipping for live plants: We pack carefully and ship quickly by FedEx 2-Day Delivery to minimize transit stress and help plants arrive in great condition.
• Live Arrival Guarantee: Your live plant order is protected—so you can buy with confidence.
• Google Top Quality Store + real reviews: Modern Aquarium has been designated by Google as a Top Quality Store and has thousands of verified customer reviews.
• Trusted Sourcing: Our plants are sourced from the best nursery in Florida and are handled with care from the grower to your aquarium.
• What You See Is What You Get: Every image on our site is a typical representation of the plants we sell—no unrealistic stock photos. Because live plants are natural products, individual specimens will vary in size, fullness, and coloration.
• Real support when you need it: Reach us via site chat or phone for practical help with placement, trimming, fertilizing, and pairing plants with hardscape.

Bottom line: Windelov Lace Java Fern is one of the simplest ways to add a “designed” look to your aquascape without adding difficulty—attach it to a stone ridge or driftwood branch, keep the rhizome exposed, and let it slowly mature into a textured, lacy focal accent. If you want a more natural, riverbank feel, frame it with a few complementary rocks and a light scatter of botanicals around the base, and you’ll get a scape that looks established, balanced, and easy to maintain long-term.