Java Fern (Microsorium pteropus)
Photo Credit: Aquatic Plant Resources
Common name or synonym: Java Fern
Scientific name: Microsorium pteropus
Pronunciation: my-kroh-SOR-ee-um ter-OH-pus
Family: Polypodiaceae
Origin or range: Southeast Asia
Type of Plant: Rhizome
Difficulty: Easy
Area of tank best suited for: Midground to Background
Plant light requirements: Low
Propagation: Adventitious plantlets
General plant notes: Often the first plant recommended for the beginner in aquatic plants, a hardy and wonderful plant nonetheless. This is one of the more useful plants in the tool kit of the plant keeper, it contain a chemical that deters herbivorous fish from eating or nibbling on the leaves, as such it works in places that many other plants can not. It should be attached to rocks and or wood pieces in the tank, the rhizome or roots should not be planted in the gravel, over time this may lead to damage of the plant. Leaves that turn dark or unsightly should be removed during weekly tank maintenance. Java fern works best in a midground to foreground placement. However larger specimens can work out nicely in the background and or as specimens. Maximum size of the plant is ten inches, and propagation is from adventitious plantlets and or by dividing the rhizome, prefers a temperature of 64 to 82 degrees F. An excellent plant to start out with, you will find Java fern floating around the aquarium and attaching themselves everywhere, if you so wish.
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