Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
- 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
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is one of the most popular and versatile freshwater plants for aquascaping. Native to Southeast Asia, this hardy epiphyte is valued for its resilience, low maintenance needs, and lush tropical appearance. Its long, arching green leaves create a natural and vibrant look, making it a staple in aquariums of all styles.
Unlike most aquatic plants, Java Fern attaches to driftwood, rocks, and other hardscape materials rather than being planted in substrate, making it perfect for creating natural-looking aquascapes with minimal effort.
Key Features:
- Extremely hardy and beginner-friendly
- Thrives in low to medium light conditions
- Attaches naturally to driftwood, rocks, and hardscape
- Long, arching green leaves with tropical appearance
- No substrate required - grows as an epiphyte
- Slow-growing and low-maintenance
Care Requirements:
- Light: Low to Medium
- CO₂: Not required (optional for faster growth)
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Difficulty: Easy (perfect for beginners)
- Placement: Midground to background, attached to hardscape
Aquascaping Applications:
Java Fern excels when attached to driftwood or stones using fishing line, thread, or super glue gel. Never bury the rhizome in substrate as this will cause the plant to rot. It creates beautiful natural transitions in aquascapes and works well in low-tech setups. The slow growth rate means minimal trimming, making it ideal for low-maintenance tanks. Perfect for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
Portion Size: One healthy plant with multiple leaves
Note: As a living plant, Java Fern requires separate handling and shipping considerations. Please review our shipping policy for plant-specific delivery information.
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: We dispatch Monday to Thursday from Perth, WA. Orders placed before 1 PM AWST ship same day.
Live shipping: Live plants and fish ship via Express Post with insulation and heat/cool packs as needed.
Live arrival guarantee: If your live order arrives 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.