Java Fern Latifolius

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The widest leaf in the genus. Latifolius means broad-leaved, and this Java Fern earns it — flat, expansive blades on an upright plant that reaches over a foot. Where narrow-leaf fo rms give a scape fine texture, this one gives it mass. What You'll Receive Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants: Bare-root Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, loose rhizome Bunched Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight Potted Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot Plant Profile Common name — Latifolius Java Fern Scientific name — Leptochilus pteropus 'Latifolius' (syn. Microsorum pteropus) Origin — Cultivated form; the species is native to Southeast Asia Placement — Midground to background, attached to driftwood, stone or décor Mature height — 8-14 inches Growth rate — Slow Care Difficulty — Beginner Light — Low to medium CO₂ — Not required Water — 68-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard Substrate — Not required. Epiphyte — attach the rhizome to hardscape and never bury it. Growth habit — Amphibious; grows emersed as well as submersed Propagation — Rhizome division, plus plantlets from mature leaves Grower's Notes Big leaves are efficient coverage. Java Fern is priced per plant, not per area. On a large piece of wood, one Latifolius covers ground that would take three or four narrow-leaf plants — and it does it without CO₂ or bright light. Broad leaves catch more light, so shade matters more. The wide blade intercepts everything above it, which is good for coverage and bad for algae. Keep it out of the brightest part of the tank and the leaves stay clean. Never bury the rhizome. Roots may go into substrate; the green horizontal stem must stay in open water or it rots — the single most common way a Java Fern is killed. Wipe the leaves at water changes. A large surface on a slow plant collects debris it cannot shed. A gentle thumb-and-finger wipe every few weeks keeps it dark green. Black spots on old leaves are baby plants, not disease. Leave a spotted leaf in place until each plantlet has roots and two or three leaves, then detach and attach it elsewhere. Want to go deeper? Read our complete Java Fern Care Guide. Notes Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown. Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways. Show more