JAVA FERN: THE BEST PLANT FOR YOUR PLANTED AQUARIUM
Java ferns (microsorum pteropus) are perfect for aquariums. They're small, easy to grow, and don't need a lot of light to survive. Ask us for varieties we have available. For example, there are needle leaf varieties that require bright lights, as well as more traditional 'jungle' leaves such as the Narrow Leaf, Lance Leaf, and Windelov – their many varieties to suit your needs inside your aquarium.
Your fish will appreciate the natural hiding spots provided by Java Fern so they can get away from time to time and feel safe and secure when they want it.
Identification
If you want a true aquatic plant that can grow when submerged in water or even partially out, then the Java fern is perfect for your tank.
Our diverse line of beautiful and delicate-looking Java plants are perfect for people who prefer an aesthetic look inside their home aqua garden without crazy maintenance requirements. When you require a go-to plant that looks great in almost any aquascapes, go with Java Ferns (from Nano Tanks Australia with our aquascaping expertise, of course!).
The narrow-leaf Java fern generally boasts long, skinny leaves, with the plant growing to a height of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). Java Fern is perfect for those who have limited space or are trying to create an artificial jungle feel in their aquarium. The plants need bright light, but indirect (not right under the light), so they can grow properly.
Keep in mind the sun has a much more potent energy than your tiny aquarium lights, so aquarium keepers can tend to underestimate the wattage and spectrum required. Saying that, in nature Aquatic Java Fern tends to never receive direct light in the jungle river.
So although the Java Fern will be fine with low light in the tank, its growth rate will not impress you.
What You Should Know about Java Fern
It's probably better than any other plant that would grow inside an aquatic environment for this reason - its fronds are big enough for fish to swim through them without getting stuck between leaves.
A striking addition to any freshwater planted aquarium, perfect if you have cichlids or South American fish. Fortunately, it's also relatively easy for plant-eating goldfish and other tank mates to leave it alone because of its tough rhizomes! Java Fern does well in water with pH levels between 6-7.5, as long as the alkalinity stays below eight dKH (aka carbonate hardness).
If you see black spots (or brown spots) in your plant's leaves, don't worry - they do that. Java ferns have veins running through them, and sometimes new bumps will pop up on the leaf from which a new shoot emerges.
Planting and Replanting Java Fern in the Aquarium
Java ferns grow beautifully with other live plants since they are so robust, but they also make a great centrepiece for the aquarium when planted alone. Alternatively, you can attach java fern to aquarium decorations (like rock or driftwood) to create an elegant look that will not overwhelm your fish tank with too much greenery!
Java Fern is a hardy plant that can live in any tank size, making it perfect for apartment dwellers who don't have room for large aquariums! If the water stays clean (and you're not adding liquid fertiliser), this resilient Fern's growth will remain consistent without any problems. The Fern prefers water with soft-to-moderate temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius.
Data at a glance for Java Fern
Family: Polypodiaceae
Care Level: Easy
Growth Rate: Low to Moderate
Maximum Size: 30cm
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Litres (tall tank)
Water Conditions: 20-28°C
pH 6.0-7.5
KH 3-8
Lighting: Low to Moderate (Depending on the desired rate of growth)
Propagation: Adventitious Plantlet/Rhizome Division
Placement: Mid to Background
