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Microsorum Pteropus Needle Leaf

Microsorum pteropus 'Needle Leaf'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Polypodiaceae

Variety of Java Fern · needle leaf

📍 Southeast Asia (cultivar)

Needle Leaf Java Fern produces extremely narrow, grass-like fronds that are distinctly different from standard Java Fern. The slender leaves create a delicate, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with broad-leaved plants. It shares the same hardy, low-light, epiphytic growth habit of regular Java Fern — easy to grow attached to rock or wood.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eater that won't damage delicate fronds and helps maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, gentle community fish that provides visual contrast and won't uproot or consume the plant

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Beneficial shrimp that grazes algae without damaging plant tissue; excellent for planted tanks

excellent

Anubias Nana

Complementary epiphytic plant with broader leaves that creates beautiful textural contrast

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful community fish that appreciates planted areas for shelter without harming delicate fronds

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that actively controls algae and coexists peacefully with plants

excellent

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Blackening or softening of the rhizome (root structure), mushy texture, plant deterioration

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 to plant tissue

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; introduce algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove visible algae

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing fronds, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or deterioration

Treatment

Add liquid all-in-one fertilizer or macronutrient supplements; perform regular water changes; ensure adequate lighting for nutrient uptake

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid frond dissolution, transparent or translucent leaves, plant collapse

Treatment

Acclimate plant slowly to new tank conditions; maintain stable water parameters; ensure adequate CO₂ and nutrients; improve water circulation

Community Photos

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Varieties

Java Fern Narrow Leaf· narrow leaf Java Fern Windelov· windelov Microsorum Trident· trident

Tips from the community 💡

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Quick Facts

co2: Not required
light: Low–Medium
placement: Epiphyte on hardscape
tank size: 10 gallons minimum
growth rate: Slow

Water it likes

ph: 6.0–8.0
hardness: 2–20 dGH
temperature: 64–86°F (18–30°C)

Stats

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Growing in0 tanks

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