- Rhizome plant
- Easy
- Low–medium light
- CO₂: not needed
Java fern
Microsorum pteropus · Leptochilus pteropus
Easy rhizome plant for low and medium light. It grows without added CO₂. It is used in the midground and background and grows attached to rock or wood. Growth is slow, and it is rated easy to keep.
Cross-referenced · 4 sources · Reviewed Oct 3, 2026
At a glance
- Plant type
- Rhizome plant Midground, Background, On rock or wood
- Light
- Low, Medium
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Difficulty
- Easy Growth rate: Slow
- Height
- 5–20 in (13–50 cm)
- Water
- 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) pH 6–7.5
- Leaf color
-
- Green
- Propagation
- Rhizome division, Plantlets
- Botanical name
- Microsorum pteropus
In the tank
Our sources don't record anything else about this plant in the tank.
Origin
Native to Asia
Sources
Where to buy
Prices rechecked daily- Buce PlantPotted
Pot
Check availability
$7.64Checked Nov 14, 2026 - Aquarium Co-OpPotted
Pack size not listed
Check availability
$9.99Checked Nov 14, 2026 - Aquatic ArtsOn rock or wood
1 B-Grade Plant on Driftwood
Check availability
$12.99Checked Nov 14, 2026 - Buce PlantOn rock or wood
Small
Check availability
$16.99Checked Nov 14, 2026
Prices checked Nov 14, 2026.
All photos
-
Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) plants growing on a stream bank in Malaysia -
Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) growing in a row along the water's edge
Questions
Does Java fern need strong light?
Java fern grows in low or medium light.
Does Java fern need CO₂?
No. Java fern grows without added CO₂.
Where does Java fern go in the tank?
Java fern is used in the midground, background, and on rock or wood.
