General Information ::
Microsorum pteropus, also known as Java Fern, is a beautiful and undemanding marsh species originating in Asia. Java Fern is great for beginners due to its low maintenance and rate of reproduction as well as being suited for aquariums that contain cichlids and herbivorous species alike.
Java Fern does not like to be planted in substrate (it feeds directly from the water column), but prefers to attach itself to driftwood and rocks; it can be anchored with cotton thread that will disintegrate after the roots have firmly attached themselves to the desired surface. Java Fern has a moderate rate of growth and is known to thrive in shade or a low light environment; Java Fern will actually develop transparent patches on the leaves and "melt" under high intensity lighting. Optimal water circulation is essential for healthy growth. Java Fern requires at least 1.5 watts per gallon of light provided by full spectrum (5000-7000K) bulbs.
Under optimal conditions, Java Fern propagates quickly and easily with "daughter" plants forming on the edges of leaves that eventually grow their own root systems and detach from the "mother" and float until they anchor themselves on something. Java Fern will also propagate via rhizome division which is done by cutting the plant at the root with very sharp, sterilized scissors.
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