Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer'

Available in store & online

Description

Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer'

Distinctive, slow-growing and well suited to hardscape, Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer' is a rhizome fern with heavily divided leaf tips that create its characteristic hammer-like appearance.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus 'Thor's Hammer'
  • Plant type: Rhizome epiphyte
  • Sale format: Live plant
  • Placement: Attach to wood, rock or another suitable surface; keep the rhizome exposed.
  • Lighting: Low to moderate
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Injected CO₂: Not required

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a distinctive Java Fern for wood, rock or aquarium décor.
  • You prefer a slow-growing plant that does not require injected CO₂.
  • You can keep the rhizome exposed rather than burying it in substrate.

❌ Consider something else if:

  • You need a fast-growing stem or carpeting plant.
  • You intend to bury the rhizome.
  • You want rapid coverage rather than slow, architectural growth.

Why choose Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer'?

Thor's Hammer stands apart from standard Java Fern through its heavily divided leaf tips and unusual textured form.

It combines that distinctive appearance with the hardy rhizome growth habit that makes Java Fern useful for planted hardscape and lower-tech freshwater aquariums.

Key Benefits

  • Distinctive divided foliage adds texture to hardscape.
  • Can be attached directly to wood, rock or suitable aquarium décor.
  • Slow growth suits detailed aquascapes and reduces frequent trimming.
  • Injected CO₂ is not required.

Care & Specifications

  • Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus 'Thor's Hammer'
  • Plant type: Rhizome epiphyte
  • Placement: Midground to background, attached to hardscape.
  • Lighting: Low to moderate
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Injected CO₂: Not required

Live plants naturally vary in leaf count, height, colour, shape and density.

What will you receive?

  • One live Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer' in the listed live-plant format.
  • Leaf count, height, colour and density naturally vary between individual plants.
  • No hardscape, pot or fixing material is included unless the product title or selected option states otherwise.

Acclimation & Planting

  1. Inspect the plant on arrival and remove damaged tissue or visible hitchhikers.
  2. Position the plant on suitable wood, rock or aquarium décor.
  3. Secure it with aquarium-safe thread, fishing line or a small amount of aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate gel.
  4. Keep the rhizome exposed while allowing the roots to attach naturally.

Ongoing Care

  • Remove ageing or damaged leaves at the base.
  • Keep algae and debris from covering the slow-growing foliage.
  • Avoid repeatedly disturbing the rhizome while new roots establish.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Driftwood, rock and ceramic hardscape.
  • Aquarium-safe thread or gel adhesive.
  • Low to moderate aquarium lighting.
  • Other slow-growing epiphytes such as Anubias and Bucephalandra.
NTA Insight:
Java Fern grows from a horizontal rhizome. The roots can contact substrate or hardscape, but the rhizome itself should remain exposed rather than buried.

Before You Buy

Live variation: Expect natural differences in height, leaf count, colour, shape and density.

Growth: This is a slow-growing fern, so allow time for it to establish and develop new foliage.

Placement: Attach it to wood, rock or another suitable surface and keep the rhizome exposed.

FAQ

Can I bury the rhizome?

No. The roots can contact substrate, but the rhizome itself should remain exposed.

Does Thor's Hammer need injected CO₂?

No. Injected CO₂ is not required.

How fast does it grow?

Thor's Hammer is a slow-growing Java Fern cultivar.

How much light does it need?

Low to moderate aquarium lighting is suitable.

Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer'

Available in store & online

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)
📍 In-Store Locations: TT35
📦 Arrival Date: 18 September 2026

3 in stock

$20.95


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer'

    Distinctive, slow-growing and well suited to hardscape, Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer' is a rhizome fern with heavily divided leaf tips that create its characteristic hammer-like appearance.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus 'Thor's Hammer'
    • Plant type: Rhizome epiphyte
    • Sale format: Live plant
    • Placement: Attach to wood, rock or another suitable surface; keep the rhizome exposed.
    • Lighting: Low to moderate
    • Growth rate: Slow
    • Injected CO₂: Not required

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a distinctive Java Fern for wood, rock or aquarium décor.
    • You prefer a slow-growing plant that does not require injected CO₂.
    • You can keep the rhizome exposed rather than burying it in substrate.

    ❌ Consider something else if:

    • You need a fast-growing stem or carpeting plant.
    • You intend to bury the rhizome.
    • You want rapid coverage rather than slow, architectural growth.

    Why choose Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer'?

    Thor's Hammer stands apart from standard Java Fern through its heavily divided leaf tips and unusual textured form.

    It combines that distinctive appearance with the hardy rhizome growth habit that makes Java Fern useful for planted hardscape and lower-tech freshwater aquariums.

    Key Benefits

    • Distinctive divided foliage adds texture to hardscape.
    • Can be attached directly to wood, rock or suitable aquarium décor.
    • Slow growth suits detailed aquascapes and reduces frequent trimming.
    • Injected CO₂ is not required.

    Care & Specifications

    • Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus 'Thor's Hammer'
    • Plant type: Rhizome epiphyte
    • Placement: Midground to background, attached to hardscape.
    • Lighting: Low to moderate
    • Growth rate: Slow
    • Injected CO₂: Not required

    Live plants naturally vary in leaf count, height, colour, shape and density.

    What will you receive?

    • One live Java Fern 'Thor's Hammer' in the listed live-plant format.
    • Leaf count, height, colour and density naturally vary between individual plants.
    • No hardscape, pot or fixing material is included unless the product title or selected option states otherwise.

    Acclimation & Planting

    1. Inspect the plant on arrival and remove damaged tissue or visible hitchhikers.
    2. Position the plant on suitable wood, rock or aquarium décor.
    3. Secure it with aquarium-safe thread, fishing line or a small amount of aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate gel.
    4. Keep the rhizome exposed while allowing the roots to attach naturally.

    Ongoing Care

    • Remove ageing or damaged leaves at the base.
    • Keep algae and debris from covering the slow-growing foliage.
    • Avoid repeatedly disturbing the rhizome while new roots establish.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Driftwood, rock and ceramic hardscape.
    • Aquarium-safe thread or gel adhesive.
    • Low to moderate aquarium lighting.
    • Other slow-growing epiphytes such as Anubias and Bucephalandra.
    NTA Insight:
    Java Fern grows from a horizontal rhizome. The roots can contact substrate or hardscape, but the rhizome itself should remain exposed rather than buried.

    Before You Buy

    Live variation: Expect natural differences in height, leaf count, colour, shape and density.

    Growth: This is a slow-growing fern, so allow time for it to establish and develop new foliage.

    Placement: Attach it to wood, rock or another suitable surface and keep the rhizome exposed.

    FAQ

    Can I bury the rhizome?

    No. The roots can contact substrate, but the rhizome itself should remain exposed.

    Does Thor's Hammer need injected CO₂?

    No. Injected CO₂ is not required.

    How fast does it grow?

    Thor's Hammer is a slow-growing Java Fern cultivar.

    How much light does it need?

    Low to moderate aquarium lighting is suitable.

    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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