Common Name: Java Fern Kiat
A cross between Bolbitis Heteroclita and Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus
The Java Fern grows all across tropical and subtropical areas of Asia. It can be found on rocks or wood, or in rivulets and waterfalls. It can grow permanently submerged, or on the forest ground. This is a popular aquarium species, and grows variably in size and shape, with broader leaves usually being the desired aesthetic.
Java Fern is among the easiest aquarium plants to care for. It can make do with no Co2 injection, although a small amount will help it grow faster. The same can be said of its fertilizer needs. It does need plenty of light, however.
The plant will fix itself to roots, driftwood, or rocks with its creeping rhizomes, on which roots and leaves grow. After a few months, it will attach with roots as well. Java Fern can even attach to the backs or sides of the aquarium glass with suckers, or it can float. To plant Java Fern in the substrate, be sure to cover only the roots, and not the rhizome, as this will lead to the rhizomes rotting away.
To propagate the plant, cut the rhizome apart with a knife or scissors. The species also naturally forms daughter plants on the tips and undersides of its leaves, often. These daughter plants can be cut and placed to fix themselves to wood or rocks. Alternatively, you can let the daughter plants continue to grow on their mother, into a lush, multi-generational “forest” of leaves and roots. In general, the species looks best anywhere it can grow on driftwood or rocks, usually in the midground or background.
Notes:
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Java Fern is an epiphytic aquarium plant. This means it can grow fine when attached to aquascaping hardscape like driftwood and stones.
- Burying the rhizome will cause the plant to die
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Java Fern will propagate through its leaves. Dots on the underside of its leaves are normal and not a cause for concern.
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Do not make drastic changes to the aquarium. Unstable parameters will result in melt and rotting of the aquarium plant.
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Please be sure to remove this plant from its pot. Remove the cotton surrounding the roots and plant onto a quality substrate. For instructions on how to properly prep "potted" aquarium plants, click here.
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CO2 injection will yield better growth.
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Please research appropriately to ensure your plant thrives.
Family Name: Polypodiaceae
Origin: Asia
Height: 5-10”
pH: 6.5-7.5
Care: Easy
Light: Low to Moderate
Co2: Not necessary
Propagation: Cuttings
Growth Rate: Medium
