Care specifications
| Type | Rhizome |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Light | Low (10–40 µmol PAR) |
| CO2 | Not needed |
| Fertilizer demand | Low |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Max height | 13 in |
| Spread | 8 in |
| Placement | Midground, Background, Epiphyte |
| Attaches to hardscape | Yes |
| Snail & shrimp safe | Yes |
| Temperature | 64–82 °F |
| pH | 6–7.5 |
| Color | Green |
| Trimming | Minimal |
| Styles | Nature, Jungle, Biotope |
Get Java Fern
Propagation
Divide the rhizome, or detach the adventitious plantlets that form on older leaf tips and attach them elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Java Fern turning black or brown?
Small black spots near the leaf edges are usually spores or baby plantlets forming, which is normal. Large spreading black patches typically mean the rhizome was buried in substrate or the plant is adjusting to new water; trim affected leaves and make sure the rhizome sits on top of hardscape, fully exposed.
Is Java Fern a good plant for a betta tank?
Yes — it is one of the best. Its broad leaves give bettas resting spots near the surface, it thrives in the low-flow, low-light conditions bettas prefer, and bettas leave it alone.
Will Java Fern survive with goldfish or African cichlids?
It is one of the rare plants that will. The leaves are tough and bitter, so even dedicated plant-destroyers usually take one taste and move on, and because the rhizome is tied to rock or wood, diggers cannot uproot it. Expect a few cosmetic nibble marks rather than destruction.
Go deeper
Java Fern appears in
- Aquarium plants that grow in low light
- Midground plants for aquariums
- Background plants for aquariums
- Aquarium plants you can attach to stone
- Aquarium plants you can attach to driftwood
- Aquarium plants that don't need CO2
- Snail-safe aquarium plants
- Slow-growing aquarium plants
- Low-maintenance aquarium plants
- Aquarium plants for beginners
- Aquarium plants for betta tanks
- Plants for jungle-style aquascapes
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