Microsorum pteropus

Microsorum pteropus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pteridophyta
Class:	Pteridopsida
Order:	Polypodiales
Family:	Polypodiaceae
Genus:	Microsorum
Species:	M. pteropus
Binomial name
Microsorum pteropus Blume, 1933

Microsorum pteropus, commonly known as Java fern, Java is one of the Big Island in Indonesia. It called "Java fern" because it is first found in Java Island, Indonesia, this aquatic fern from southeast Asia, is highly variable with several different geographic varieties that vary in leaf size and shape. It is found attached to roots and rocks in nature.

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. Several cultivars of Java fern exist. These include the "narrow leaf" Java fern, the "needle leaf" Java fern, the "Windelov" Java fern, the "trident" Java Fern, the "lance leaf" Java fern, and others. Cultivation in the aquarium is not problematic as long as the rhizome is tied to rock or driftwood and not planted directly into the substrate. Propagation can be done by attaching small adventitious plants, formed on the older leaves, to a rock or driftwood. This is most often done with thin wire, cotton thread, a zip tie, a rubber band or fishing line. This plant does particularly well with fish that are normally detrimental to plants, on account of its relatively bitter taste.

Height: 20–35 cm; width: 5–15 cm; light: low-high; temperature: 18–30 °C; pH tolerance: 6–8; kH: 2–15. Can also withstand slightly brackish conditions.

Microsorum pteropus or common Java fern growing in the west peninsular of Indonesia

An immersed form of Microsorum pteropus

Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) in the west peninsular of Indonesia

References

External links

• The Aquarium Wiki article on caring for Java fern in the aquarium
• Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) in its natural habitat.