Leptochilus (Microsorum) pteropus (Blume) Copel.

Java fern

Leptochilus (Microsorum) pteropus is a highly variable plant with several different geographic varieties that vary in leaf size and shape. Found in its natural habitat growing attached to roots and rocks, it can grow in both fully and partially submerged environments. It is one of the most popular plants in the aquarium hobby, due to its aesthetic appeal and ease of care.

Distribution: its native range is Tropical and Subtropical Asia. It can be found in Malaysia, Thailand, Northeast India and some regions of China.

Submitted by: Benedetta Spelta

GPS: -9.6349087, 148.6232910

Geographical region: Oceania
Drainage Basin
River catchment
Water body type: Stream
Water body name: Nameless affluent
Water body part
Water body course: Lower course
Water body: tributary of: River
Tributary name: Safia

Type locality
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (NE)
Listed in CITES: No

Videos

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: Medium
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 24-25 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 5.5-8.0
Conductivity
GH: 8-12 mg/l
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Submersed

Plant type

Rhizomatous

Plant size

30 cm

Plant growth rate

Plant light demand

Low

CO2

Low

Aquarium equipment

Its ability to grow in places in the aquarium where other plants cannot take root, Java fern provides the aquascaper with many design options. It is especially striking when planted on a piece of driftwood in the middle- or background of a tank.

Plant care

Moderate light is more than sufficient, Java fern grows well under stronger and weaker lighting as well. The rhizome can be fixed to roots or driftwood with string, and after a few months it attaches to these surfaces with its roots. In the substrate, make sure you only cover the roots, not the rhizome, as it would rot away. Also, this species does not require the addition of fertiliser or CO2. When is fertilized with iron, seems to grow faster.

Water care

It’s best to keep this plant with water temperature about 24-25°C, pH 6.5-7.5 and hardness 8-12 dGH.