Microsorum pteropus, the Broad Leaf Java Fern, is a larger-leaved form of the classic Java Fern. It carries wide, arching green leaves that grow around 4 to 6cm across and reach up to 30cm tall, giving a bold, textured, jungle-like look. As an epiphyte it sits on hardscape rather than in the substrate, so it works well in the midground and background attached to wood or stone.Native to Southeast Asia, this fern naturally grows on rocks, roots and driftwood. Tie or wedge it onto your hardscape with the rhizome left exposed, never buried, and it will slowly root itself in place. It is one of the most forgiving aquarium plants going, happy in low light with no added CO2 and across a wide range of water conditions, which makes it a relaxed, low-maintenance choice for beginners and low-tech tanks alike.Care at a glance Placement: Midground to background, on hardscape Lighting: Low CO2: Low, not required Growth rate: Slow Difficulty: Beginner Colour: Green Our plants are harvested fresh and algae free, and their conversion to the submerged form begins in our grow-out tanks, which maximises your success once the fern settles into your aquarium.Submerged: grown fully underwater, the form the plant takes once established in your tank. Emersed: grown with the leaves above the waterline in humid, open air, which is how many aquatic plants are farmed before they transition to life underwater.
