The rhizomes are hair-like dark brown strings that attach themselves to any surface and help in the growth of the plant. 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. Some types of Java Fern aquarium plants are as follows –. Notes: Java Fern is an epiphytic aquarium plant. Java fern forms dense bushy mats which serve as a hideout for smaller fish or fry trying to escape being eaten by the adults. Java Fern Care Guide: Species, Planting, and Propagation. They can be treated with chemicals (pesticide) to remove parasites, snails, etc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Read my article “Nitrates in Shrimp Tank. That’s not all, live plants help to keep the aquarium stable. Lace java fern. Any of the above-given condition can be cured by setting the water parameters right and cleaning the tank. link to The Ideal Water Parameters for Fish and Shrimp Keeping, Read more about it in my article “Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting”. The needle leaf, narrow leaf, Windelov and lance leaf are the four most common kinds. After this process, it starts growing at a slow rate. If its coming off the bottom of the leaf, its more than likely propagation. It needs minimal light and does not require extra nutrients or CO2, like some plants do. 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. The new growth will give a dense look. The Java Ferns are quite hardy to keep and maintain, but there are some mistakes that newcomers make, which can result in the death of their plant. If you are looking for thin-leaved Ferns, the Needle Leaf and the Narrow Leaf are two options to look into. You can not cut a leaf and replant it.To propagate Java fern just simply chop of a leaf and let it float for about 2~5 weeks. Leaf propagation in Java Fern happens naturally and if you want to achieve thick dense vegetation you can leave the plant to its natural course of reproduction. The following water parameters should be maintained in the tank to ensure that the Java fern survives and grows properly: Read more about it in my article “Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting”. Java fern is a highly variable plant species with many diverse geographical varieties which can be distinguished by their unique leaf sizes and shapes. They add beauty to the tank with its delicate look and unique shape. Dots on the underside of its leaves are normal Done. The maintenance or care depends on the kind of look you are expecting to get. Any freshwater shrimp which share the same water requirements (for example, Cherry shrimp, Snowball shrimp, Caridina cf. Notes: Java Fern is an epiphytic aquarium plant. The plants are sensitive at the beginning, so the fishes with nibbling habit can damage them. Many types of Java Fern can be found in the fish stores like needle leaf, narrow leaf, trident leaf, and Windelov leaf. For algae related problems, you can get the help of a clean-up crew. It is well adapted for life in various tanks, from large community tanks to heavily planted aquarium tanks. Read my article “Nitrates in Shrimp Tank. Java Fern is hardy and doesn’t need strict water conditions to thrive. Regarding black lines, they are just veins. After a while, the roots will have attached itself firmly to the surface of the hardscape, and growth continues. 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. Let us know in the comment. In the case of Java fern, “planting” does not mean burying the roots beneath soil, substrate, or pebbles. They are very affordable and the price ranges from $4 – 20 depending on the variety and type you want (single plant or mat). It can grow very quickly, but the leaves are short compared to narrow leaf Java Fern. Cryptocorynes are good examples of plants that produce many offsets directly next to the parent plant. The actual plant can grow as high as 12 inches. However, these chemicals are extremely poisonous to shrimp and other invertebrates. Cichlids, Catfish, Tiger Oscars, Arowanas, etc. Java fern doesn’t need strong lighting conditions as this can burn the leaves and make them develop brown spots. Propagation (Breeding) Plant propagation is the process of growing new plants by germinating seeds, rooting cuttings or splitting bulbs/rhizomes. Java fern propagates when little plants start growing from the tips of leaves. Java fern doesn’t need strong lighting conditions as this can burn the leaves and make them develop brown spots. Apart from that, the leaves of java ferns come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What causes this problem is the transfer to a new tank or change in water parameters. 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. It grows fine in tap water from liquid rock to near battery acid, can grow under regular house lights, can be attached or left floating, and is fine without Co2 or fertilizers. 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. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Narrow Leaf Java Fern: This plant has narrow leaves, which grow at a steeper angle than the regular Microsorum pteropus. When the leaves grow smaller leaflets, the leaflets can simply be broken off and replanted. It is another uncommon variant with 2-5 lobes on both sides of leaves. Important: If you keep shrimp in the tank, I would highly recommend reading my articles: It is not unusual to see black little bumps or black lines or going through the leaves on Java Fern. Java fern is also one of the best plants for shrimp tanks and snails. If you want it to grow quickly, you can add liquid fertilizers whenever changing the water. The Windelov variety is the favorite choice for creating a Java fern tree in the aquarium. 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. But keeping an aggressive fish in the tank at the early stage of the growth of Java Fern, then it can be a mistake. Aquariumbreeder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, chewy.com, and and other Affiliate programs. ... , planted tank, plantlets, plastic, propagation, setup, soil. Your email address will not be published. You can read more about it in my article “Top 5 Plants for Your Shrimp Tank”. Java Fern is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require a lot of technology or care to survive. This is known as leaf propagation in Java Fern. To replicate the conditions of wild, follow the given parameters –. The addition of liquid fertilizer also helps to tackle melting issues in some aquatic plants which include Java fern. They are a slow growing plant. The common problems associated with this plant species are melting and the appearance of brown spots under the leaves. Java fern (Microsorum Pteropus) is unarguably one of the best aquatic plants for the aquarium hobby. Your email address will not be published. Source: daecon. Java fern will survive in brackish water. You can also read “How to Spot Nutrient Deficiencies in Aquatic Plants”. Another method of propagation is through the production of plantlets. Java fern is also one of the best plants for shrimp tanks and snails. The leaves are about 4 – 8 inches (10 – 20 cm) in size and up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height. In this case, what you have to do is to prune our discolored leaves down to the rhizome. Also, if the tank is set up correctly, it won’t develop any conditions. Celestial Pearl Danio (Galaxy Rasbora): Care, Diet, and Breeding, etc. 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. Is Java Fern Right for You? True "Needle Leaf" Java fern is relatively rare in the hobby and very hard to come by in trade. We will take a look at each of them and will learn how to avoid them. They may not have rhizomes and won’t grow at all. The individual leaves will grow to 4 to 8 inches long. A hardy plant which grows in It will need a little pruning whenever you find any burn spots on the leaves. The color of leaves depends on the lighting. 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. Nutrient supplementation: The Java fern plant can survive without supplementing it with additional nutrients (fertilizers). They can have parasites, pests like snails or even predators (dragonfly, damsefly nymphs, etc.). Microsorum Pteropus, Needle Leaf: This Java fern is simply gorgeous. This is sometimes called “lace java fern” because of its fine leaf shape. Also, it doesn’t require any separate water conditions for the process. If it is planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome because it will rot. Monsters in Shrimp Tanks. 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. So, what are the ideal water parameters for fish and/or shrimp keeping? Pesticides in Shrimp Tanks. It is not commonly eaten by herbivorous fish because the leaves are so hard. It possesses long thin leaves that are thinner than the narrow leaf variety. 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. In its absence, it is just a bunch of leaves. Aquarists commonly use them because of their slow growth. Do not forget to quarantine any new plants before putting them into your tank! This plant is relatively tall, it grows up to 12 inches (~30 cm) in height and 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) in width. The four most commonly available are the narrow leaf, the needle leaf, the Windelov and lance leaf. Java Fern is one of the popular aquarium plants and is scientifically know as Microsorum Pteropus. There are many different varieties of this fern, and the size of the plant and leaf shape will vary greatly from variety to variety. You can cut it using sharp scissors and plant them wherever you want. This means it can grow fine when attached to aquascaping hardscape like driftwood and stones. Apart from that, it is found alongside streams or flowing water. You don’t have to spend a lot to buy or maintain this plant. Even... Hi everyone! Needle Leaf Java Fern. If you want to plant it separately, then you have to do it yourself. The higher the lighting, the darker the green coloration and vice versa. The easiest way to multiply your Java fern is through Java fern rhizome division. Monsters in Shrimp Tanks. Some types of Java Fern (Broad Leaf) can grow up to 15 inches tall and the overall width of the plant could even be around 6 inches. Afterwards, put the structure to the back wall while making sure that no fish gets hurt by coming in contact with it. Also, you can keep it with a wide variety of fishes and plants. The leaves are also more dark-green than some other forms. Your email address will not be published. The plant is rhizomatous which implies that its roots and leaves emerge from a thick and root-like base (rhizome). Once the rhizomes of Java fern attached to the surface, it will start growing. 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. Don’t plant Java fern into substrate. Rhizomes: These appear just like the dark green roots but in this case, they are actually stems. When the leaves have black or brown tiny circular bumps or veiny black lines, it means it has matured and is ready for propagation as well. It appears well-suited to the low-light and hard/alkaline conditions often found in dealer tanks. After a few weeks, the roots will attach itself to the surface. Plant Propagation: rhizome cutting, plantlets from leaf. There are many sellers online who retail varieties of the Java fern plant, you can source them from Petco, eBay or Amazon. Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers. The color of leaves depends on the lighting. The leaves are hardy and have a leathery texture in a range of distinct shapes, mainly from bushy to spiky. The Java fern needs 1.5 watts of light for each gallon of water, and 5000-7000 K bulbs work efficiently on most tanks. This plant is often considered as mid or background plant, it all depends on your tank size. Break the Java fern and split it into little pieces to cover the created mesh. 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. It is hardy and tough which makes it difficult for herbivorous (nippy) fishes to feed on them. Because Java fern is grown above the substrate, the rhizome is easy to see and division is relatively simple. If you see anything like this, dim the lightning or just turn it off for some days. They will start growing as independent plants. How to Remove Snails from a Shrimp Tank. Black veiny lines are present and the color of the leaves ranges from medium to dark green hues. If you desire some jungle kind of effect in the tank then creating a Java fern wall is your best bet. How to Propagate Java Fern. It is absolutely normal to have small dots because that is one of the ways to grow new Java ferns (propagation). However, you should avoid pairing them with large species of crayfish as they are known to destroy the plant. The size can be between 3-5 inches but avoid buying a bunch. Leaves grow to around 4-8 inches and the plant can grow as high as 12 inches. I have had much experience with aquarium plants. Java Fern Propagation Plant propagation means developing new Java Ferns by germinating seeds, splitting rhizomes/ bulbs, and root cuttings. These easy to grow plants can grow on rocks, ground, around tree trunks, or like grass in the tropical rain forest. It is worthy to note that the coloration of the leaves is highly dependent on the intensity of the lighting provided. this is a video showing you how to/ how i propagate java fern. The popular varieties go by the names: Narrow Leaf, Needle Leaf, Trident, Windleof. ... I’ve just began cycling my tank and noticed these dark fibrous bits on the bottom side of some of my Java fern’s leaves. The surface can be both broad and narrow. Got so many plantlets from my java fern, so I decided to put them in plastic container with wet soil, this way they would grow faster rather than underwater as long as you keep the moist and humidity constantly. Keeping low lighting in the tank is necessary as Java ferns grow in the shady place. Java Fern General Care. This hardy plant requires little maintenance, however, you should look into these factors if you desire a healthy-looking plant in the tank. Once you decided the surface, the next thing you have to do is to safely secure the plant on that surface. How to Lower them”, Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs. You will discover plantlets sprouting after some time, which gives the aquarium a unique and decorate wall outlook. Propagation of this plant species is very easy. But if you still want to use it, then you can pick anything of your choice. 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. 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. They have rhizomes that attach themselves to different surfaces and then grow. The leaves of these plants are even thinner than the narrow leave. The leaves, as the name suggests, are narrow and can grow around 4-8 inches. Propagating Java fern is really simple. The Ideal Water Parameters for Fish and Shrimp Keeping. Treatment So, many of us assume that they need to be planted in the aquarium substrate. Required fields are marked *. But make sure to keep the plant wet either by submerging or using spray bottles, whenever cleaning or maintaining it. These plants sprout interesting looking foliage. The leaves have a leathery texture and are found in different shades of green. 2 comments: JUN HAO 17 January 2018 at 07:39. The good thing about the rhizome is that it has the ability to continue growing and developing. Simply snap or cut the rhizome to remove a piece of the plant. Strong lights and CO2 are not required, but fertilization can help the plant thrive. If you still want to keep them with big aggressive fishes, make sure the plant is attached using rock or driftwood. To propagate the plant by rhizome, split the rhizomes into desired sizes, and attach it to a surface with something that will bind it together. There are different varieties of the Java fern plant, and they are all characterized by varying leaf shapes. This plant can be found in tropical rainforests, coastal brackish regions, banks of freshwater streams and rivers where it grows fully or partially submerged. Pesticides in Shrimp Tanks. are one of them. For example, Java fern can withstand aggression from Cichlids, Oscar, Goldfish species that normally eat aquatic plants. The other quality which makes this plant famous among aquarists is that it is movable. 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. This is a common problem amongst most aquatic plants whereby the leaves turn yellow and brown, shrink and die off. Dragonfly and Damselfly Nymphs. If planted on the front, it will definitely cover everything in the tank and I’m definitely sure you wouldn’t like that to happen. Another method of propagation is through the production of plantlets. Most aquarists often think more light is best for the plants but this is not totally right. The … While planting the rhizomes, choose hardscapes with rough surfaces over smooth surfaces. Today I would like to address this question that we see happen a lot in comments, forums, and Facebook groups. The aquatic plants also need suitable water conditions and tank set up like a fish to thrive. You can bury it, but it won’t grow as fast as it grows on the surface. 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 plants are attached either to driftwood or rocks, and you can move it whenever you want to clean it at the bottom. This is the most common type of Java Fern and will … Keep reading for more information on how you can grow and care for Java fern. © 2020 Copyright Shrimp and Snail Breeder. 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