PlanteasyFreshwater

Java Fern Windelov

Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov'

Also known as Windelov Java Fern, Lace Java Fern, Windelov, Laceleaf Java Fern

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Polypodiales›Polypodiaceae

Variety of Java Fern · windelov

📍 Southeast Asia

Java Fern Windelov is a distinctive cultivar with finely branched, feathery leaf tips that give it a lacy, coral-like appearance unlike any other aquatic plant. Named after Tropica founder Holger Windelov, it is a classic of the hobby. The ornate leaf structure adds exceptional texture to midground hardscape and is particularly striking when highlighted from above. Care is identical to standard Java Fern.

Community Photos

1 photo

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by @kyleesandow

Tanks keeping this 🌿

Growing in 7 tanks

Community tanks featuring Java Fern Windelov.

Ten Gallon

Easy Low Maintenance

Creekside

Cory cove

Breeding cory habrosus

@mateocoello

Planted Betta Tank

@angelajohnston

Compatible Livestock

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant tissue; ideal for planted tanks

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without harming plants; enhance bioload for plant nutrition

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that provide gentle bioload and won't uproot or consume plants

excellent

Anubias Nana

Companion plant with similar care requirements; creates layered hardscape aesthetic

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller; may occasionally nibble plants but generally compatible with hardy species

good

Amano Shrimp

Excellent algae control without plant damage; larger shrimp less likely to disturb delicate leaves

excellent

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Blackening or mushy rhizome; leaf yellowing and deterioration; foul odor from plant base

Treatment

Improve water circulation and reduce organic buildup; trim affected rhizome portions with sterile tools; increase water changes; ensure rhizoid attachment is above substrate to prevent anaerobic conditions

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves; stunted growth; transparent or bleached appearance; leaf holes or necrosis

Treatment

Dose liquid all-in-one fertilizer or macronutrient supplements; increase water change frequency to replenish minerals; ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced light penetration; plant appears smothered

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily; increase water changes; introduce algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove algae with soft brush; maintain nutrient balance to prevent excess algae

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution or transparency; mushy texture; plant appears to disintegrate

Treatment

Acclimate slowly to new tank conditions over 1-2 weeks; maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-8.0, temperature 20-28°C); improve water circulation; perform partial water changes; trim severely affected leaves

Varieties

Java Fern Narrow Leaf· narrow leaf 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 tips

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.