Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) on Terracotta Pot

Description

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) on Terracotta Pot

Hardy, compact and exceptionally easy to keep, Java Fern is one of the most dependable freshwater aquarium plants available. Supplied on a small terracotta pot for easy placement, Microsorum pteropus is ideal for low-tech aquariums, shrimp tanks and planted community setups where you want durable greenery without demanding care.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus
  • Common name: Java Fern
  • Plant type: Fern
  • Placement: Midground / Hardscape
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Lighting: Low
  • CO₂: Not required
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
  • pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
  • Sold as: Java Fern secured on a small terracotta pot

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a hardy, low-light aquarium plant.
  • You prefer slow growth and minimal trimming.
  • You want an easy-to-position plant for a nano or community aquarium.
  • You do not want injected CO₂.
  • You want a plant that can later be attached to wood or rock.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You want rapid plant growth.
  • You plan to bury the rhizome deeply in substrate.
  • You want a carpeting plant.
  • You need a tall, fast-growing background species.

Why choose Java Fern?

Java Fern is a classic aquarium plant because it tolerates a broad range of freshwater conditions and does not require specialised substrate, intense lighting or injected CO₂.

The terracotta pot makes this form convenient to position and move while the plant establishes. It is especially useful in smaller aquariums where you want a ready-made piece of greenery without permanently planting into the substrate.

Benefits

  • Very beginner friendly
  • Excellent low-light tolerance
  • No injected CO₂ required
  • Slow growth means minimal trimming
  • Easy to position and relocate
  • Suitable for driftwood, rocks and hardscape
  • Provides useful cover and grazing surfaces

Care made simple

  • Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
  • pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
  • Lighting: Low to medium
  • CO₂: Not required
  • Growth: Slow
  • Placement: Midground or hardscape
  • Flow: Gentle to moderate
  • Do not bury the rhizome. The roots can be positioned around substrate or hardscape, but the thick horizontal rhizome should remain exposed.
  • Remove old or damaged leaves at the rhizome when required.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Anubias
  • Bucephalandra
  • Java Moss
  • Cryptocoryne
  • Freshwater shrimp
  • Nano and peaceful community fish
NTA Insight:
The terracotta pot is a convenient selling and display form, but Java Fern is still a rhizome plant. Keep the rhizome exposed rather than burying it. If you later want a more natural look, the plant can be secured directly to driftwood or aquarium rock.

FAQ

What is the scientific name of Java Fern?

The accepted scientific name is Microsorum pteropus.

Does Java Fern need CO₂?

No. Injected CO₂ is not required.

Can Java Fern grow in low light?

Yes. It is one of the better-known aquarium plants for low-light conditions.

Should I bury the rhizome?

No. Keep the rhizome exposed to reduce the risk of rot.

Can I remove the plant from the terracotta pot?

Yes. It can be repositioned or attached to wood or rock if you prefer a more natural aquascape.

How fast does Java Fern grow?

It is generally slow growing.

How do I propagate Java Fern?

It can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by allowing plantlets on mature leaves to develop before separating them.

Is Java Fern good for shrimp tanks?

Yes. Its leaves and hardscape growth provide useful grazing surfaces and cover.

Is Java Fern suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its hardiness, low-light tolerance and simple care make it an excellent beginner plant.

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) on Terracotta Pot

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4 in stock  

$15.00


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    Description

    Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) on Terracotta Pot

    Hardy, compact and exceptionally easy to keep, Java Fern is one of the most dependable freshwater aquarium plants available. Supplied on a small terracotta pot for easy placement, Microsorum pteropus is ideal for low-tech aquariums, shrimp tanks and planted community setups where you want durable greenery without demanding care.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus
    • Common name: Java Fern
    • Plant type: Fern
    • Placement: Midground / Hardscape
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Lighting: Low
    • CO₂: Not required
    • Growth rate: Slow
    • Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
    • pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
    • Sold as: Java Fern secured on a small terracotta pot

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a hardy, low-light aquarium plant.
    • You prefer slow growth and minimal trimming.
    • You want an easy-to-position plant for a nano or community aquarium.
    • You do not want injected CO₂.
    • You want a plant that can later be attached to wood or rock.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You want rapid plant growth.
    • You plan to bury the rhizome deeply in substrate.
    • You want a carpeting plant.
    • You need a tall, fast-growing background species.

    Why choose Java Fern?

    Java Fern is a classic aquarium plant because it tolerates a broad range of freshwater conditions and does not require specialised substrate, intense lighting or injected CO₂.

    The terracotta pot makes this form convenient to position and move while the plant establishes. It is especially useful in smaller aquariums where you want a ready-made piece of greenery without permanently planting into the substrate.

    Benefits

    • Very beginner friendly
    • Excellent low-light tolerance
    • No injected CO₂ required
    • Slow growth means minimal trimming
    • Easy to position and relocate
    • Suitable for driftwood, rocks and hardscape
    • Provides useful cover and grazing surfaces

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
    • pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
    • Lighting: Low to medium
    • CO₂: Not required
    • Growth: Slow
    • Placement: Midground or hardscape
    • Flow: Gentle to moderate
    • Do not bury the rhizome. The roots can be positioned around substrate or hardscape, but the thick horizontal rhizome should remain exposed.
    • Remove old or damaged leaves at the rhizome when required.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Anubias
    • Bucephalandra
    • Java Moss
    • Cryptocoryne
    • Freshwater shrimp
    • Nano and peaceful community fish
    NTA Insight:
    The terracotta pot is a convenient selling and display form, but Java Fern is still a rhizome plant. Keep the rhizome exposed rather than burying it. If you later want a more natural look, the plant can be secured directly to driftwood or aquarium rock.

    FAQ

    What is the scientific name of Java Fern?

    The accepted scientific name is Microsorum pteropus.

    Does Java Fern need CO₂?

    No. Injected CO₂ is not required.

    Can Java Fern grow in low light?

    Yes. It is one of the better-known aquarium plants for low-light conditions.

    Should I bury the rhizome?

    No. Keep the rhizome exposed to reduce the risk of rot.

    Can I remove the plant from the terracotta pot?

    Yes. It can be repositioned or attached to wood or rock if you prefer a more natural aquascape.

    How fast does Java Fern grow?

    It is generally slow growing.

    How do I propagate Java Fern?

    It can be propagated by dividing the rhizome or by allowing plantlets on mature leaves to develop before separating them.

    Is Java Fern good for shrimp tanks?

    Yes. Its leaves and hardscape growth provide useful grazing surfaces and cover.

    Is Java Fern suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Its hardiness, low-light tolerance and simple care make it an excellent beginner plant.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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