Java fern is an aquatic plant also known as “Leptochilus pteropus”. This plant is predominantly from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and South China. Java fern is the most common plant in planted aquarium. It is also the one of the most highly valuable plants, with geographical varieties and physical forms. More about its form is, plants vary in size, shape and texture.
Java fern’s slow growth, leaf structure, and reproduction makes it an aquarium smash. The best thing about this plant is that it can tolerates most lighting conditions and different environments. Such as from acidic water to alkaline conditions, and brackish tanks.
For fish lovers, Leptochilus pteropus is easy to find in most local fish stores. The plant has natural habitat growing with riparian roots and rocks. The interesting thing about this plant is, the small sprouts quickly develop into roots on their own. When water facilitates then it attach themselves to any surrounding object before the “mother” leaf expires.
Moreover, in this process the mother leaf wilts or detaches from the plantlet and establishing itself.
Varieties of Java Fern
The most commonly asked question about Leptochilus pteropus is there varieties. People also know java fern by the name of Microsorum pteropus.
l ‘needle leaf’ areThin and small leaves.
l ‘Philipine’ are also Smaller and shorter varietal leaves approximately of palm size.
l ‘short narrow leaf’ are Smaller and compact varietal.
l ‘orange’ this form has Orange tips in younger leaves.
l ‘Trident’ there are 2 to 5 lobes on each side.
l Another one is, ‘Thors hammer‘ have the split end leaves.
l The last but not the least is ‘Windelov’ this the tip splits into many lobes.
How to grow a java fern an easy aquatic plant?
The Leptochilus/Microsorum pteropus is native to various parts of Asia. It can grow in moist forests, and also be found completely submerged in some places. This is a rhizomatous plant that has dark green leaves growing along a creeping rhizome.
Moreover, there are many varieties of this plant, but there leaves can be of different lengths and pinnate. The most common variety of leptochilus pteropus has leaves as long as a hand or about an inch wide. This plants leaves have a different and hammered pattern, while inspected closely.
However, Java fern or Leptochilus pteropus is a durable plant, tolerating low light and a wide range of water conditions. The advantage of this plant is that it does not need to grow in the ground. You can attach it to hardscape for growth and easy relocation.
The plant can be secured with any rock or wood using string, any ties or superglue. The another interesting thing of this plant is these can also be glued directly to hardscape underwater. With the passage of time the root mass will naturally set with the hardscape.
How java fern works and grow in aquarium?
In aquariums, Leptochilus Pteropus grow as well reproduce on its own without any special care. The plant taking nutrients available in water on its own. In most tanks, due to the lack of critical nutrients blackening and deterioration happens over time.
Moreover, due to slow growing nature, plant will not show signs of nutrient deficiency for some weeks. Don’t forget that regular dosing of a liquid nutrient into the aquarium will ensure long-term water as well as plant health.
Leptochilus Pteropus Diseases
Plant diseases are not common in planted aquariums, but infection happens in leptochilus pteropus by a fungus. The fungus grows inside the plant and affects the plant tissue. Fungus causes gall lesions to form on the surface of the leaves and rhizomes.
This affects the growth of the plant and leads to most surfaces and the plant dying. The gall causes deformation of younger leaves and growth twisted. After some time, the fungus is sure death sentence for the plant. Sadly, there is no known cure, which adds to the severity of the disease.
To sum up
Java fern stands out the most versatile and beginner- friendly plant. Like many other plants, it prefers some current. However, due to slow growth it can be susceptible. But this plant is most widely used in aquariums as it can tolerate bright light and can survive in different environments. By understanding its growing and reproduction process and potential threats you should be careful about its long-term health.
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