Microsorum pteropus 'Mini' - Compact Java Fern Variant
- 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
Delicate Compact Beauty for Detailed Aquascapes
Microsorum pteropus 'Mini' is a highly prized compact Java Fern variant beloved for its diminutive size and delicate leaf structure that brings refined detail to planted aquariums. This miniature morphology creates intricate texture and natural elegance in smaller-scale layouts, offering aquascapers the legendary reliability of Java Fern in a petite form perfect for nano tanks and detailed foreground-to-midground transitions. Perfect for aquascapers seeking premium epiphytic plants that deliver architectural interest and proven hardiness without overwhelming compact designs.
Why Choose Microsorum pteropus 'Mini'?
- Compact Size: Smaller leaves ideal for nano tanks and detailed layouts
- Delicate Texture: Fine leaf structure creates intricate visual detail
- Premium Variant: Rare miniature form of classic Java Fern
- Incredibly Hardy: Legendary Java Fern resilience in a refined compact package
- Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care and attention
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Low to medium
- CO2: Not required (beneficial but optional)
- Temperature: 20-28°C
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Difficulty: Very easy
Expert Tips from School Of Scape
Microsorum pteropus 'Mini' combines the bulletproof reliability of classic Java Fern with compact proportions that make it ideal for nano aquascapes and detailed hardscape work. This premium variant is perfect for attaching to smaller stones and driftwood pieces using fishing line or super glue - never bury the rhizome in substrate as this will cause rot. The miniature leaves create delicate texture and natural movement that suits intimate layouts where standard Java Fern would appear oversized. Mini Java Fern thrives in low to medium light and requires no CO2 injection, making it perfect for low-tech setups and beginner-friendly nano tanks. Growth is slow, 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 in foreground to midground areas where its compact form can be appreciated without being overshadowed by larger plants. The miniature scale makes it excellent for creating detailed rock gardens and intricate hardscape compositions. Once established, Mini Java Fern will reward you with years of reliable beauty and delicate elegance that enhances the natural character of your aquascape without demanding constant attention.
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.