Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus, commonly known as Java fern after the Indonesian island of Java, is a highly variable plant with several different geographic varieties that vary in leaf size and shape. It is found growing attached to roots and rocks in nature, and can grow both fully and partially submerged. The plant can propagate through small adventitious plants, formed on the older leaves, which attach themselves to hard substrates.

In the aquarium

Java fern is one of the most popular plants in the aquarium hobby, due to its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. Cultivation in the aquarium is usually performed by tying the rhizome to rock or driftwood, instead of planting it directly into the substrate.

small rhizome with 6-8 leaves