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Java Fern Narrow Leaf

Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow Leaf'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›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.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant fronds and help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive invertebrates that benefit from plant cover and won't uproot or eat the fern

excellent

Otocinclus

Gentle algae-eating fish that graze on plant surfaces without damaging delicate narrow leaves

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that appreciate plant cover and won't nibble or uproot the fern

good

Dwarf Gourami

Calm, mid-water swimmers that coexist well with plants and provide visual interest in the aquarium

good

Anubias Nana

Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements; both attach to hardscape and create layered aquascaping

excellent

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Soft, mushy rhizome; dark discoloration; fronds yellowing and dying back from the base

Treatment

Improve water circulation and reduce organic buildup; remove affected portions with sterile tools; ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating fronds; reduced light penetration; stunted growth

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; improve water flow

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale fronds; slow or stunted growth; transparent or translucent leaves

Treatment

Add all-in-one liquid fertilizer or macronutrient supplements; ensure adequate fish waste or organic matter; test and adjust water parameters

Leaf Melting

Symptoms

Fronds becoming transparent, dissolving, or turning to mush shortly after planting

Treatment

Gradual acclimation to new water parameters; maintain stable temperature and pH; trim affected leaves; ensure adequate light and nutrients

Community Photos

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Varieties

Java Fern Windelov· windelov Microsorum Pteropus Needle Leaf· needle leaf Microsorum Trident· trident

Tips from the community 💡

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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)

Stats

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Growing in0 tanks

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