Green aquatic plant with roots on a white background
School of Scape

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' - Premium Java Fern Variant

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$25.00
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Plants usually dispatch Mon–Fri from Perth (early-week only during summer).
  • Submerged-Grown Quality Stronger roots, instant tank success
  • Healthy-Plant Guarantee Replace or refund if not perfect
  • Express Shipping Included Ships express even on standard orders
  • Rewards on Every Order Earn points with each purchase

Care snapshot

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Difficulty
Beginner
☀️
Light
Low
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CO₂
Optional
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Growth
Slow

Distinctive Narrow-Leaf Elegance for Natural Aquascapes

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' is a highly sought-after Java Fern variant prized for its unique narrow, branching leaves that resemble a trident or fork. This distinctive morphology creates refined texture and natural elegance in planted aquariums, offering a sophisticated alternative to standard Java Fern varieties. Perfect for aquascapers seeking premium epiphytic plants that bring architectural interest and proven reliability to Nature Aquarium layouts with minimal maintenance demands.

Why Choose Microsorum pteropus 'Trident'?

  • Unique Leaf Structure: Narrow, branching fronds create distinctive visual texture
  • Premium Variant: Rare morphology elevates standard Java Fern aesthetics
  • Incredibly Hardy: Legendary Java Fern resilience in a refined form
  • Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care and attention
  • Versatile Placement: Attach to hardscape or plant in substrate

Care Requirements

  • Lighting: Low to medium
  • CO2: Not required (beneficial but optional)
  • Temperature: 20-28°C
  • pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
  • Difficulty: Very easy

Expert Tips from School Of Scape

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' combines the bulletproof reliability of classic Java Fern with distinctive narrow-leaf architecture that adds refined character to any aquascape. This premium variant is ideal for attaching to driftwood and rocks using fishing line or super glue - never bury the rhizome in substrate as this will cause rot. The narrow, branching fronds create natural movement and delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with broader-leaved plants and hardscape materials. Trident Java Fern thrives in low to medium light and requires no CO2 injection, making it perfect for low-tech setups and beginner-friendly layouts. Growth is slow to moderate, meaning minimal trimming and long-term stability in your design. This variant is exceptionally tolerant of varying water parameters and lighting conditions, adapting readily to both soft and hard water. Liquid fertilization supports healthy growth, though this plant is remarkably forgiving of nutrient limitations. Position on prominent hardscape features where its distinctive leaf structure can be appreciated as a focal point. Once established, Trident Java Fern will reward you with years of reliable beauty and architectural elegance that enhances the natural character of your aquascape.

Shipping: Fast dispatch across Australia with careful packaging to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to plant.

Acclimation: Float the bag in your tank for 15 minutes to equalise temperature, then plant directly in substrate.

Lighting: Most aquatic plants thrive at 0.5+ watts/litre with 6500K colour temperature for 6-8 hours/day.

Fertilising: Use a quality liquid fertiliser weekly. Root tabs help heavy root feeders.

CO₂: While not essential for most plants, CO₂ injection dramatically improves growth and colour.

Trimming: Regular trimming encourages bushy, healthy growth and prevents shading of lower leaves.

Dispatch: Plants are usually dispatched Monday to Friday from Perth, WA. During summer (Dec–Feb), dispatch is limited to early in the week (Mon–Wed) to avoid heat damage in transit.

Live shipping: Plants ship via Express Post with insulation and heat/cool packs as needed.

Live arrival guarantee: If your plants arrive unhealthy, send a photo within 4 hours of delivery for replacement or refund.

Tracking: You'll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships.

Hardware & consumables: 30-day return window for unopened items in original packaging.

Live items: Cannot be returned but are covered by our healthy arrival guarantee.

Refunds: Processed within 5 business days of receiving your return.

Need help? Contact us — we're real aquascapers based in Perth.

Will my plant survive the trip in summer/winter?

Yes — we ship via Express Post and add insulation plus heat or cool packs as needed. Most orders arrive within 1–3 business days. If anything goes wrong, our healthy plant guarantee kicks in.

Are these plants beginner friendly?

It depends on the species. Check the Care guide tab — we've tagged each plant with difficulty (Easy / Medium / Advanced). Most of our range is suited to beginners with basic lighting.

Do I need CO₂ for this plant?

Most aquatic plants we stock will grow without injected CO₂, but growth is dramatically faster and more vibrant with CO₂. The Care guide tab indicates whether CO₂ is required, recommended or optional.

Will it have snails or pesticides?

No. All our plants are submerged-grown in controlled conditions — no pesticides, no algae hitchhikers, no snail eggs.

What if my plant arrives damaged?

Send a photo to us within 4 hours of delivery and we'll replace or refund. That's our healthy plant guarantee.

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FAQs

Most stem plants come in bunches of 4-6 stems. Thicker-stemmed species typically come in portions of 2-3 stems. Mosses and some carpet plants are supplied as 5x5cm portions. Exact portion details are listed in the product description for each plant.

All live plants are shipped express via Australia Post to ensure they arrive fresh and healthy. We carefully package plants to protect them during transit, even if you select standard shipping at checkout

We guarantee your plants will arrive healthy. If they don't, contact us within 24 hours of delivery with photos, and we'll replace or refund them. See our Refund Policy for details.

CO2 requirements vary by species. Check the Care Information tab for this specific plant. Many of our plants can thrive without CO2, though growth may be slower.

Most of our aquarium plants are grown submerged (underwater), which means they adapt faster to your tank and are less likely to melt. This gives you stronger roots and instant success. The exception is our terrarium plants, which are grown emersed (above water)

Due to the perishable nature of live plants, we cannot accept change-of-mind returns once dispatched. However, our 24-hour arrival guarantee covers any plants that arrive in poor condition.

Orders typically dispatch within 1-2 business days. Delivery times are 1-2 days for WA and 2-4 days for interstate. All plants ship express for freshness.