What water parameters does a Java Fern need?

Java Fern does best at 18–30 °C (64.4–86 °F), pH 6–7.8 and a general hardness of 3–15 °dGH.

Where should Java Fern be placed in the aquarium?

Java Fern works best attached to wood or rock, not planted in the substrate and reaches around 30 cm.

Is the Java Fern suitable for beginners?

Yes — Java Fern is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Species library

Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

Polypodiaceae

PlantsDifficulty: ●○○○○Data: well-established

📷 Tsunamicarlos at English Wikipedia · Public domain · resized · Wikimedia Commons

Java Fern — Microsorum pteropus — 📷 Tsunamicarlos at English Wikipedia · Public domain · resized · Wikimedia Commons

About

Java fern is a hardy epiphytic fern from Southeast Asia that anchors its creeping rhizome to wood or rock rather than substrate. Its leathery green fronds tolerate a very wide range of conditions, making it one of the most forgiving plants for beginners and low-tech tanks. It reproduces readily via adventitious plantlets that sprout on mature leaves.

Care

Attach the rhizome to hardscape and never bury it, keep light low to moderate, and simply let it grow. No CO2 or special substrate needed.

Diet

Absorbs nutrients directly from the water column through its leaves; benefits from occasional liquid fertiliser but survives with none.

Also in these lists

Plants for wood and rock Plants without CO₂ Low-light aquarium plants Easy aquarium plants

Frequently asked questions

What water parameters does a Java Fern need?: Java Fern does best at 18–30 °C (64.4–86 °F), pH 6–7.8 and a general hardness of 3–15 °dGH.
Where should Java Fern be placed in the aquarium?: Java Fern works best attached to wood or rock, not planted in the substrate and reaches around 30 cm.
Is the Java Fern suitable for beginners?: Yes — Java Fern is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Sources

Water & tank

Temperature18–30°C

Optimal temp.22–26°C

pH6–7.8

Hardness (GH)3–15°d

Carbonate (KH)3–12°d

Water typeFreshwater

FlowLow

Try in the calculator