Plant Profile
Borneo Fern (Trichomanes javanicum) is a terrestrial filming fern native to the shaded rainforest floors and riverbanks of Southeast Asia, prized for its delicate, translucent foliage that seems to shimmer under soft lighting. This species is a non-aquatic epiphyte that thrives exclusively in high-humidity terrariums, vivariums, and paludarium land sections where it can cling to damp rocks or wood. Unbothered by low lighting and slow to overgrow its boundaries, it anchors effortlessly onto damp moss or hardscape to deliver ethereal forest texture.
Key Features & Notes
- Delicate, paper-thin translucent fronds shimmer under terrarium lighting, providing exceptional visual depth and fine texture.
- Exclusively non-aquatic terrestrial species designed specifically for humid terrariums, vivariums, and paludarium land setups. Do not keep fully submerged long-term.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Prep the plant by removing it from the pot and clearing all rockwool from the roots.
- Borneo Fern is an epiphytic terrestrial fern that should be mounted to damp rocks or wood in humid setups; never bury the horizontal rhizome beneath heavy substrate, as it will rot and decay.
- Ensure high ambient air humidity (80%+) and moist air circulation to prevent its thin, paper-like foliage from drying out.
- Avoid placing this fern fully underwater; while it tolerates occasional splashing or high soil moisture, permanent submersion will lead to leaf melt.
- Final size and foliage pattern depend entirely on your specific enclosure conditions; please note that photos are a representation, and individual plants may vary.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Scientific Name |
Trichomanes javanicum |
| Common Name(s) |
Borneo Fern, Filmy Fern, Aqua Fern (Terrestrial) |
| Family |
Hymenophyllaceae |
| Plant Type |
Terrestrial / Emersed Epiphyte (Filmy Fern) |
| Care Difficulty |
Easy (Terrarium / Paludarium Environment) |
| Light Requirement |
Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement |
Not Required |
| Placement / Usage |
Terrariums, Vivariums, Paludarium Land Section |
| Height / Size |
4"–8" (10–20 cm) |
| Growth Rate |
Slow |
| Environment Parameters |
pH 6.0–7.5 | High Ambient Humidity Required (Non-Submerged) |
| Propagation Method |
Rhizome Division |
| Origin |
Southeast Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grow Borneo Fern (Trichomanes javanicum) fully submerged in an aquarium?
No. Borneo Fern is a true terrestrial/emersed filmy fern, not a fully aquatic plant. While it is sometimes sold in the aquarium trade under the misnomer "Aqua Fern," keeping it completely underwater long-term will cause the fronds to rot. It is best suited for high-humidity terrariums, vivariums, or paludarium land sections.
2. What is a "filmy fern" and why are the leaves translucent?
Filmy ferns (family Hymenophyllaceae) have leaves that are often only one cell layer thick, lacking a dense cuticle layer found in traditional plants. This unique anatomy allows them to absorb water and nutrients directly from humid air and misty surroundings, giving the foliage its delicate, translucent appearance.
3. How should I plant Borneo Fern in my terrarium or vivarium?
Because it is an epiphyte, you should attach the rhizome to wet lava rock, damp driftwood, or a moss wall using thread, wire, or plant glue. Ensure the rhizome stays exposed to air and humidity rather than buried under heavy soil.
4. How do I propagate Borneo Fern?
Propagation is simple: use sharp, sterilized scissors to cut the horizontal creeping rhizome into smaller sections, making sure each piece retains at least 3–4 healthy fronds. Attach the divided sections to new hardscape features in your humid enclosure.
