Vertical, where standard Java Fern sprawls. Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' grows long, slim leaves that stand upright and sway in the current, so a mature plant gives height and line rather than a broad green mass. Same indestructible fern underneath. What You’ll Receive Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants: Bare-root Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, loose rhizome Bunched Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight Potted Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot Plant Profile Common name — Narrow Leaf Java Fern Scientific name — Leptochilus pteropus 'Narrow Leaf' (syn. Microsorum pteropus) Origin — Southeast Asia Placement — Midground, attached to driftwood, stone or hardscape Shipped size — Approx. 6+ leaf portion, roughly 3-6 in Mature height — 6–10 in Suits — 10 gallons and up 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. Attaches to hardscape Growth habit — Amphibious. Grown emersed at our nursery Propagation — Rhizome division, plus plantlets from mature leaves Grower’s Notes Upright leaves change what the plant does in a scape. Standard Java Fern spreads sideways and fills space. Narrow grows up, so it works behind hardscape as a soft screen without swallowing the layout. Never bury the rhizome. Tie or glue it to wood or stone — buried rhizomes rot, and that is how most Java Ferns are lost. Black spots on older leaves are usually plantlets forming, not disease. Let them grow roots, then detach and attach elsewhere. It asks for nothing and survives goldfish, cichlids and large fish that destroy softer planting. Pair with Needle Leaf and Broad Leaf for three silhouettes on one piece of wood, all with identical care. 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.
