Java Fern (Regular)
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a nearly indestructible hobby staple, with tough, leathery green fronds on a creeping rhizome. Attach the rhizome to wood or rock rather than burying it, and it thrives in low light with no CO2. Its hard leaves are ignored by most plant-eating fish, making it perfect for cichlid and goldfish tanks.
Care level: Easy · Placement: Epiphyte (on wood/rock) · Lighting: Low-Medium · CO2: Not required · Growth rate: Slow · Propagation: rhizome division / plantlets
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Microsorum pteropus
- Common name
- Java Fern
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Care level
- Easy
When it ships
Most non-quarantined stock goes out the week you order. If we do not already have the animal in-house we source it first — allow up to two weeks for it to reach us. Live animals leave Monday and Tuesday, and Early AM Overnight is the only service that carries a live arrival guarantee.
The live guarantee
Shipped Early AM Overnight: a 1-hour DOA window from confirmed delivery, and nothing beyond it. Next Day Air and 2-Day carry no live arrival guarantee, and neither does USPS Priority. Local pickup or local delivery: 24 hours, if you bring a water sample from your aquarium and we test it before the animal goes home. Maintenance clients: 60 days when we service the aquarium at least twice a month, 28 days on a monthly plan.
Expert guidance
Have a question about this piece?
Cameron draws on 25+ years in the hobby and a marine biology background to help you choose the right fit for your system.