ASHCO
H.A.P. Report
By: Elsie Swanson
Microsorum pteropus commonly known as Java fern is a hardy aquarium plant, great for beginners. This plant is native to south east Asia, meaning, Java to the Philippines, thus giving the plant it’s name.
Java fern does particularly well in temperatures of 22-30 degree’s Celsius. It ranges in size from 4 to 7 1/4” long and 3/4 to 1 1/2 “ wide. This plant will root itself to objects such as wood. (It is a good idea to attach it loosely near something with a rubberband, string, or wire until new roots anchor it).
The lighting conditions can change the appearance of this plant. In high lighting conditions it produces tough plastic like leaves, and in low lighting makes a more delicate looking leaf. This plant tolerates many lighting conditions, which can also affect its shade of green.
This plant reproduces by rhizones which may be divided. Young plants may also develop directly off spores attached to old leaves when left to float on the surface. These can be rubbed off with your fingers and rooted, or left to float. Black spots on leaves are often mistaken as pathogens, but are actually sporangia needed in the sexual reproduction of the plant.
Java fern is a very hardy plant tolerating many conditions including brackish water, a high PH, and many lighting conditions, It reproduces rapidly, however young plants are slow growers.
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