Java fern – Microsorium (3 species)
This asian genus is actually not an aquatic plant but it grow really well underwater. The genus include many species (over 40) but only a few are commonly seen in aquarium. Most fish won’t eat their leaves. I have some in gold fish tanks without any problem.
Microsorium pteropus
Common names: Java fern
Family: Polypodiacea
Maximum size: Leaves are 12 in. long and 1 to 3 in. wide.
Light needed: low
Water contidions: pH 5 to 8, temperature 18 to 30, water hardness soft to hard
Hardiness: Easy
Propagation: From the eyes of the rhizome and from plantlets on the leaf.
Distribution: Asia
Color: Bright green
Special notes: Certainly the most poppular and available. It is suitable for any aquarium including terrariums.
Microsorium pteropus “Narrow”
Common names: Java fern “Narrow”
Family: Polypodiacea
Maximum size: Leaves are 4 in. long and 1/2 in. wide.
Light needed: low
Water contidions: pH 5 to 8, temperature 18 to 30, water hardness soft to hard
Hardiness: Easy
Propagation: From the eyes of the rhizome and from plantlets on the leaf.
Distribution: Asia
Color: Bright green
Microsorium pteropus “Windelov”
Common names: Java fern “Windelov”
Family: Polypodiacea
Maximum size: Leaves are 3 to 4 in. long and 1/2 to 1 1 1/2 in. wide.
Light needed: low
Water contidions: pH 5 to 8, temperature 18 to 30, water hardness soft to hard
Hardiness: Easy
Propagation: From the eyes of the rhizome and from plantlets on the leaf.
Distribution: Cultivar
Color: Bright green
Special notes: This really nice and attractive species does not exist in the wild. This is actually patented species created for the aquarium industry. It has some hair like branches on the tip of each leaf.
Article written by Patrice Lapointe for AquariumsLife.com
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