Java Fern Narrow Leaf
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow Leaf'
Also known as Narrow Leaf Java Fern, Narrow Java Fern
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Polypodiales›Polypodiaceae
Variety of Java Fern · narrow leaf
📍 Southeast Asia
Java Fern Narrow Leaf is a cultivar of the standard Java Fern with significantly narrower, lance-shaped leaves that create a finer, more graceful texture in aquascapes. It reaches 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) in height and works beautifully as a midground plant where a more delicate silhouette is desired. Care is identical to regular Java Fern — attach to hardscape, never bury the rhizome, and it will grow steadily under low to medium light.
Community Photos
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Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant fronds and help maintain tank cleanliness
Small, non-destructive invertebrates that benefit from plant cover and won't uproot or eat the fern
Gentle algae-eating fish that graze on plant surfaces without damaging delicate narrow leaves
Small, peaceful schooling fish that appreciate plant cover and won't nibble or uproot the fern
Calm, mid-water swimmers that coexist well with plants and provide visual interest in the aquarium
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements; both attach to hardscape and create layered aquascaping
Common Diseases
Rhizome Rot
Soft, mushy rhizome; dark discoloration; fronds yellowing and dying back from the base
Improve water circulation and reduce organic buildup; remove affected portions with sterile tools; ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate
Algae Overgrowth
Green, brown, or black algae coating fronds; reduced light penetration; stunted growth
Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; improve water flow
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing or pale fronds; slow or stunted growth; transparent or translucent leaves
Add all-in-one liquid fertilizer or macronutrient supplements; ensure adequate fish waste or organic matter; test and adjust water parameters
Leaf Melting
Fronds becoming transparent, dissolving, or turning to mush shortly after planting
Gradual acclimation to new water parameters; maintain stable temperature and pH; trim affected leaves; ensure adequate light and nutrients
Varieties
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Low to medium (20–60 PAR)
- placement
- Midground; tie to driftwood or rock
- substrate
- Not planted in substrate
- growth rate
- Slow
- propagation
- Adventitious plantlets from leaf margins
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–8.0
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 2–25 dGH
- temperature
- 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.
Stats
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