Trident Java Fern, at nano scale. Leptochilus pteropus 'Trident Mini' keeps the narrow forked leaf that gives Trident its name — each blade splitting into finger-like lobes — but stops at 2–4 inches instead of 8 or more. In a small tank that difference is what makes it usable. What You’ll Receive Healthy, vibrant Leptochilus pteropus ‘Trident Mini’ cultivated and prepared by Aquarium Plants Factory®, available in multiple planting formats: Bare-root Plants:Approximately 3+ leaf portion, loose rhizome with some roots 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 — Trident Java Fern Mini Scientific name — Leptochilus pteropus 'Trident Mini' (syn. Microsorum pteropus) Placement — Foreground to midground, attached to driftwood, stone or décor Mature height — 2–4 in Growth rate — Slow Care Difficulty — Beginner Light — Low to medium CO₂ — Not required Water — 68–82°F · pH 6.0–7.5 Substrate — Not required. Attaches to hardscape Growth habit — Amphibious. Also grows emersed Propagation — Rhizome division, plus plantlets from mature leaves Grower’s Notes Scale is the reason to choose Mini. Full-size Trident reaches 8 inches or more and overwhelms a nano layout. Mini gives the same forked silhouette at a size that keeps a small scape in proportion. Never bury the rhizome. Tie or glue it to wood or stone; buried rhizomes rot. Black spots on older leaves are usually plantlets forming, not disease. Let them root, then detach and attach elsewhere. Slow growth means very little maintenance, but damaged leaves stay damaged — trim them at the rhizome. Tough enough for tanks with fish that shred softer planting, despite the delicate look. Want to go deeper? Read our complete Java Fern Care Guide. Notes As a natural aquatic plant, slight variations in size, shape, and coloration may occur. Leaves may show minor transition as the plant adapts to your aquarium environment. This is normal, and new submerged growth will emerge under proper conditions. Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.
