Keep reading for more information on how you can grow and care for Java fern. Windelov Twisted is also larger in size and similar to most Microsorum Pteropus species, which will not be eaten by herbivorous fish species! What better way to make your home feel a bit more inviting and festive than adding a splash of color to your aquarium? Java fern is compatible with a huge variety of fish. Also, it is compatible with small fish and fry. To make a Java tree fern, you have to attach the Java fern rhizomes or the plant to driftwood that can imitate the branched appearance of a typical tree. The plant can grow large with broad leaves, and its rhizomes will keep growing till it is finding surfaces. It has finely branched tips and is a great unique addition to any fish tank or aquarium. It gives rich look to planted tanks. Java fern is a member of the Polypodiaceae family and its taxonomical classification goes thus: Java fern has an overall green coloration and it is made up of three major components: Roots: The roots of this aquatic plant are dark brown hair-like strings that grow out of the rhizomes, these roots acts as an anchor. Melting can be mitigated by nutrient supplementation, so making sure that the Java fern are dosed with the required fertilizers will prevent the leaves from dying. For simplicity lets group aquarium plants into three orders. But if you want a bushy look, leave the plantlets and let them grow. You can use it to plant as many Java Ferns you want in your tank. You can cut it using sharp scissors and plant them wherever you want. Java fern doesn’t need strong lighting conditions as this can burn the leaves and make them develop brown spots. The herbivorous fish won’t eat it like they eat other aquatic plants. But make sure to keep the plant wet either by submerging or using spray bottles, whenever cleaning or maintaining it. Java Fern will propagate through its leaves. There are many sellers online who retail varieties of the Java fern plant, you can source them from Petco, eBay or Amazon. Windelov fern is a spectacular plant which is perfect for growing in aquariums. Treatment. The aggressive fish also ruin the beauty of this plant by nibbling and tearing the leaves. CO2 in a Planted Tank Guide To replicate the conditions of wild, follow the given parameters –. Java Fern Windelov. The common problems associated with this plant species are melting and the appearance of brown spots under the leaves. Some aquatic plants become popular with aquarium enthusiasts due to their beauty or blooms, but others become popular because of the easy level of care they require. It is quite rare and grows up to a height of 6 inches. Microsorum Pteropus, Windelov: This variant grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, it is similar to the regular Java fern plant but has finely branched leaf tips. Java fern ( Microsorum pteropus) is an impressively durable plant that can withstand the likes of African cichlids, snails, and even those with the blackest of thumbs. The smooth surface like pebbles or glass won’t disappoint you either, but it will take a longer duration to attach on these surfaces. The high lightning can change the color of the leaves to brown. If you still want to keep them with big aggressive fishes, make sure the plant is attached using rock or driftwood. They are easy to reproduce, care, and can be used with a variety of fishes. That’s not all, live plants help to keep the aquarium stable. Narrow Java Ferns: As the name suggests, this variety of Java fern has narrower leaves than most species. Apart from that, it is found alongside streams or flowing water. Yay! You don’t need a substrate as it doesn’t take nutrition from there. Keeping low lighting in the tank is necessary as Java ferns grow in the shady place. It is extremely suited for freshers in this field.since it is rhizomes plant, it is required to grow in it over the rock or root to thrive fast. I’m Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. The broad leaf java ferns in my old Lake Tanganyika tank used to propagate new leafs in this way. They are available in variety, and you can choose according to your preference. Java fern is also one of the best plants for shrimp tanks and snails. And for me, the java fern is the best aquarium plant. Java fern can fill up the tank easily when they are mature so it is advisable you go with a tank above 10 gallons or else they will compete and choke other inhabitants. Rhizomes and leaves are the two main parts of this traditional plant. How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants. Co2 supply: This is not really a necessity but if you want your fern to grow faster than normal then you definitely need to supply them with extra Co2. If you want, you can remove the ties if they are visible or leave them there as the plant will cover it up. How to Lower them”, Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs. In a tank Java fern uses only vegetative reproduction. It doesn’t require any external help for Java Fern to propagate. But if you still want to use it, then you can pick anything of your choice. This means it can grow fine when attached to aquascaping hardscape like driftwood and stones. This plant can also be floated on the water surface, just ensure that it is trimmed/pruned as at when due to keep the tank orderly and clean. If you see anything like this, dim the lightning or just turn it off for some days. Read my article “Nitrates in Shrimp Tank. Fish don’t prefer to nibble the java fern, probably it tastes bitter for them. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner in the work of fishkeeping, you can count on Java fern to deliver an enticing and decorative look to your home aquarium. The second way of vegetative reproduction is when growth buds appear on dying old leaves and soon a new plant develops from them. Windelov Java Fern: This Java Fern is also a smaller variety, hardly ever-growing past 8 inches tall. Ms. Anaisha is an aquarist, loves to keep fishes and play with them. In contrast, the plant can grow up to 12 inches. The first way is to cut the fern… The addition of liquid fertilizer also helps to tackle melting issues in some aquatic plants which include Java fern. The other quality which makes this plant famous among aquarists is that it is movable. There are a couple of ways to propagate: Firstly, you could cut the rhizome in half and replant the cut sections. Putting it in front of the tank will cover everything else that you might have kept in there. Most aquarists often think more light is best for the plants but this is not totally right. This plant is hardy and undemanding, beautiful and it can live up to. This plant is relatively tall, it grows up to 12 inches (~30 cm) in height and 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) in width. What causes this problem is the transfer to a new tank or change in water parameters. On this blog, I share all the things I learn about shrimp breeding as I go. It is easy to look after, maintain, and propagate. Java Fern windelov is a Slow/medium growing background plant. It is one of the most sought after plants for aquascaping. At the lowest order is algae. Regarding snails, you can keep it with Ramshorn snails, Nerite snails, Malaysian Trumpet snails, Japanese trapdoor snails, Mystery snails, etc.. Java fern is a popular aquarium plant for aquascaping; its form, beauty, and growth pattern makes it well suited for this purpose. However, you should avoid pairing them with large species of crayfish as they are known to destroy the plant. This hardy plant requires little maintenance, however, you should look into these factors if you desire a healthy-looking plant in the tank. Narrow leaf Java fern requires low to moderate lighting and nutrient-rich water and growth rate is also improved by C02 injection. Java fern is also one of the best plants for shrimp tanks and snails. It is absolutely normal to have small dots because that is one of the ways to grow new Java ferns (propagation). It is not unusual to see black little bumps or black lines or going through the leaves on Java Fern. It is one of the most sought after plants for aquascaping. So, if you are interested in getting into this hobby or just want some extra tips and tricks, well this is the right place for you. Any freshwater shrimp which share the same water requirements (for example, To make a Java tree fern, you have to attach the Java fern rhizomes or the plant to driftwood that can imitate the branched appearance of a typical tree. Needle-Leaf Java Fern – The leaves of this plant are thinner in the shape of the needle and smaller than the regular Java Fern. The color of leaves depends on the lighting. Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs. They can have parasites, pests like snails or even predators (dragonfly, damsefly nymphs, etc.). Monsters in Shrimp Tanks. Some types of Java Fern aquarium plants are as follows –. You won’t have to make a lot of effort to care for it. This plant is also widely distributed in tropical Southeast Asia (Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and some parts of China). In its absence, it is just a bunch of leaves. A Java fern rhizome generally grows in one direction, and can reach about 6 inches (15 cm) wide. Microsorum Pteropus 'Windelov' AKA Java Fern 'Windelov' is a popular variant of the Java Fern created by Tropica. It is scientifically known as Microsorum pteropus, and is sold under this name.You may also find it called Leptochilus pteropus. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): Care, Diet, and Breeding, etc. It is known to tolerate a wide pH range. This plant is native to South East Asia cultivated particularly in Taiwan nurseries. Different plants will grow from the different cut sections. They can grow in low light conditions and a wide range of water parameters. You can either buy small plants or java ferns attached to driftwood. They’re often referred to as lace Java ferns thanks to the finely branched tips of the plant. Your email address will not be published. This is a common problem amongst most aquatic plants whereby the leaves turn yellow and brown, shrink and die off. If planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome because it will rot. Strong lights and CO2 are not required, but fertilization can help the plant thrive. The height of this plant is about 6 inches (15 cm). This plant can be grown without co2, fertilizer is recommended however not necessary. It is shorter than the narrow leaf variant. In this case, what you have to do is to prune our discolored leaves down to the rhizome. It is hardy, easy to cultivate, and well-adapted for life in different kinds of habitats (both freshwater and brackish). It doesn’t need CO2 as much as other water … ... Propagating Your Java Fern. This variant is a unique species of Java fern with interesting tops that have pom-pom like bushes on the leaves. Microsorum Pteropus, Trident: This variety grows faster and the leaves are feathery-lobed, just as the name implies, this variety has forks which resemble a trident. A hardy plant that grows in all conditions. This plant is often considered as mid or background plant, it all depends on your tank size. Because of their size, Java ferns are best for tanks that hold at least 10 gallons (38 L). But fish aren’t the only colorful residents you can keep in your […] Java fern tied to bogwood. Propagation of Java Fern is another easy task. Java Ferns meet both criteria! Plant Propagation: Rhizome. Important: One thing you should never do is burying the rhizomes down the substrate or it will rot. It has various qualities that make it a point of attraction. Rhizomes: These appear just like the dark green roots but in this case, they are actually stems. The plant will adapt to the new water conditions and new leaves will start sprouting afterwards. Next, use tapes, adhesives or fishing wire to fasten the plant to the desired hardscape. One of the things we love about this unique aquarium plant is its availability. Dots on the underside of its leaves are normal and not a cause for concern. It is worthy to note that the coloration of the leaves is highly dependent on the intensity of the lighting provided. To get started, you will need to choose from two different methods of propagation. How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants. Leptochilus pteropus, synonym Microsorum pteropus, commonly known as Java fern after the Indonesian island of Java, can be found in Malaysia, Thailand, Northeast India and some regions of China.It is a highly variable plant with several different geographic varieties that vary in leaf size and shape. This is one of the reasons it’s not recommended to keep java ferns in tanks smaller than 10 gallons. are one of them. Their leave will show the same growth of plantlets when they mature. Leaves grow out from the top of these rhizomes. The leaves can be bushy or spikey. Plants Quarantine. Also, it can thrive in both partially submerged or fully submerged conditions. These easy to grow plants can grow on rocks, ground, around tree trunks, or like grass in the tropical rain forest. However, this shouldn’t be confused with the presence of black spots beneath the leaves as that is a sign that the parent plant is about to grow plantlets. Plants Quarantine. These plants won’t cause any problem to anyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced. #18 … This aquatic fern can grow in low light conditions and is forgiving in a wide range of water parameters. Melting can be mitigated by nutrient supplementation, so making sure that the Java fern are dosed with the required fertilizers will prevent the leaves from dying. Java fern (Microsorum Pteropus) is unarguably one of the best aquatic plants for the aquarium hobby. The. Gradually such a plant develops a rootstock and under the weight of it the latter gets gown to the tank b… The leaves of these plants are even thinner than the narrow leave. The Windelov variety is the favorite choice for creating a Java fern tree in the aquarium. In this method, the Java fern produces tiny plantlets on the tips of its leaves, which consists of few tiny leaves and a little root system. © 2021 Copyright Shrimp and Snail Breeder. You can use fishing wire or black threads to match the roots. This plant is easy to maintain, and there is minimal chance for you to kill it even if you are a beginner. The aquatic plants also need suitable water conditions and tank set up like a fish to thrive. Microsorum pteropus is a water fern from Asia, 15-30 cm tall. So, it … Microsorum, on the other hand, belongs to the Polypodiaceae family, which has over 60 different genera. They add beauty to the tank with its delicate look and unique shape. Do not forget to quarantine any new plants before putting them into your tank! Java fern is very versatile, hardy and easy to maintain. - We try not to have snails/pests but it happens, this is nature. Do you have Java Ferns in your aquarium? Common Name: Java Fern Windelov Twisted, Microsorum Pteropus Similar to Widelov, hence the name, Windelov Twisted features the same fine branched tips at a larger scale. If you are searching for a perfect plant that is easy to plant, maintain, and yet inexpensive then you should consider getting the Java fern as it ticks all the boxes. Another way of doing this is to wait until the plant develops tiny plantlets on its leaves. As we mentioned, Java Fern is rhizomatous, meaning that … Alternatively, you can wait for the plant to develop tiny Java Ferns on its leaves. Java fern will survive in brackish water. Java fern is known for its large mass and wide leaves forms when fully mature; hence ensure that you cultivate this plant in the center or at the back of the tank. They are very affordable and the price ranges from $4 – 20 depending on the variety and type you want (single plant or mat). For example, Java fern can withstand aggression from Cichlids, Oscar, Goldfish species that normally eat aquatic plants. Any freshwater shrimp which share the same water requirements (for example, Cherry shrimp, Snowball shrimp, Caridina cf. They will keep the roots from getting damaged. Let’s get into the details: Microsorum Pteropus, Narrow Leaf: This variety has thinner leaves and as they mature it starts to twist a little. We already discussed this hardy plant is easy to grow on any surface. It is responsible for attachment to different types of hardscapes or surfaces to prevent it from being carried away from water current and wind. Also, you can keep it with a wide variety of fishes and plants. This feature makes it suitable to be used with a wide variety of fish. The Windelov fern multiplies readily. Java Ferns are hardy, and their leathery leaf structure makes them unappealing. Its rootstock is divided into several parts with two-three leaves on them. 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