{{tag>tropical, rhizome, submerged}}
===== Java Fern =====

{{:plants:javafern.jpg?nolink&600 |}}

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<typo fs:x-large>
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a popular aquatic plant commonly used in freshwater aquariums. It is native to Southeast Asia and is well-known among aquarists due to its hardiness, easy care requirements, and attractive appearance. 
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|**Scientific Name**|Microsorum pteropus|
|**Origins**|tropical regions of Southeast Asia|
|**Typical Height**|4" to 6"|
|**Lighting**|Low to Moderate|
|**Growth Rate**|Slow|
|**CO<sub>2</sub> Required**|No|
|**Root System**|Rhizome, do not bury|
|**Water Requirements**|Tropical water temperatures, soft/medium hardness|

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==== Preparing For An Aquarium ====

Java Fern thrives best when the rhizome is glued or attached to a rock or a piece of driftwood. Its important to have the rhizome above the substrate and exposed to the water column.

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==== Nutrition ====

The Java fern can absorb nutrients directly from the water via its leaves, eliminating the need for fertilizer. However, if you wish to promote faster growth, consider adding a liquid fertilizer during water changes.
Although CO2 is not essential for the Java fern's growth, incorporating it into the tank can enhance the plant's growth rate.

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<WRAP info>
Java Fern has been known to consume a lot of [[snippets:potassium|potassium]], sometimes to the detriment of other plants in your aquarium. Sometimes when the plant develops pinholes in the leaves, it can indicate it has consumed all of the potassium and you should dose the tank carefully with a [[snippets:potassium|potassium (K)]] supplement. We recommend using [[products:seachempotassium|Seachem Flourish Potassium]]
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==== Maintenance ====

Avoid planting a Java fern in substrates such as gravel and rocks because doing so will rot the rhizome. You can tell if the rhizome is rotting when the Java fern turns brown.

Aquarists sometimes mistake black spots on the fern’s leaves as a disease when in fact, this is where the fern’s sprouts bud. However, if the black spots don’t grow new ferns after a few weeks, the black spots could indicate burns, so reduce the tank's lighting level.

Java fern melt is another common problem that these plants face. Symptoms of melt include large brown spots that cause the fern to turn mushy. Melt typically occurs as a result of too much light or excessive algae in the tank. To treat melt, snip off the affected leaves and improve the tank lighting and algae conditions until the plant’s health improves. Fertilizer can help, too.

These plants don’t require regular pruning, but you can trim the fern occasionally if it grows too large for the tank.

To trim your fern, start by lowering the water level so you can reach the plant. Then remove any dead leaves using sharp scissors. You can then trim larger leaves and any small shoots to manage the fern’s growth.