Philippine Java Fern

Leptochilus decurrens

📍 Southeast Asia

Philippine Java Fern is a hardy, slow-growing rhizome plant with narrow, deeply lobed fronds that create an elegant, feathery appearance. It thrives in low to medium light and requires no CO2, making it ideal for beginner aquarists. This epiphytic fern attaches to wood and rock, adding natural texture and shade to any aquascape.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Non-destructive, will not uproot or damage fronds; excellent algae control

excellent

Neon Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that provides shade-loving habitat without disturbing the plant

excellent

Otocinclus

Gentle algae eater that will not damage delicate fronds

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful and non-destructive; provides good visual contrast

good

Corydoras Sterbai

Bottom-dwelling catfish that will not disturb the attached fern

excellent

Common Diseases

Rhizome Rot

Symptoms

Blackening or mushy rhizome, fronds detaching or melting, foul odor

Treatment

Ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate or covered by algae. Improve water circulation and reduce organic waste. Remove affected portions with sterile scissors if necessary.

Algae Overgrowth on Fronds

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves; reduced light penetration to fronds

Treatment

Increase water circulation, reduce light duration, add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus), or manually remove algae with soft brush. Avoid excess nutrients.

Frond Melt / Transition Melt

Symptoms

Yellowing, browning, or dissolving of older fronds after planting or water parameter changes

Treatment

This is normal during acclimation. Maintain stable water parameters, ensure low to medium light, and remove dead fronds. New growth will emerge within 2-4 weeks.

Iron Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing of new fronds while veins remain green; stunted growth

Treatment

Add liquid all-in-one fertilizer or iron supplement weekly. Ensure adequate micronutrient availability through fish waste or dosing.

Community Photos

0 photos

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

No photos yet — add a tank with Philippine Java Fern to be the first!

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Quick Facts

co2: not required
lighting: low
placement: epiphyte
substrate: Epiphyte—does not require substrate. Attach rhizome to driftwood or rock using fishing line or plant weights. Do not bury the rhizome or it will rot.
growth rate: slow