Attaches to driftwood or rocks: Provides stable, substrate-free growth and easy placement in any aquarium setup
Low-light tolerance: Thrives in dim to medium lighting, making it ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists
No CO2 or fertilizer required: Simplifies aquarium maintenance with minimal nutrient absorption from water
Passive propagation: Produces new plantlets naturally from leaf undersides, ensuring a continuous supply of new plants
Safe for shrimp and snails: Does not consume or damage healthy plant tissue, making it suitable for shrimp and snail coexistence
Java Fern Aquarium Plant
Java fern is a great low-light plant that is extremely hardy. A Java Fern plant is an aquatic fern that grows very well under low light. The Java Fern plant can be easily attached to driftwood or rocks. The large green leaves look best attached to driftwood and growing up or down a branch. Oftentimes, we will fin
Scientific Name
Microsorum pteropus
Growth Habit
Floating, emergent, or submerged (varies by aquarium setup)
Mature Height
12+ inches (30.5 cm)
Leaf Size
8-25 inches (20-63 cm) depending on light and care
Hardiness Zone
7-10 (USDA)
Suitable Water Type
Freshwater
CO2 Supplementation
Not required
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun (varies by setup)
4.7
77 ratings
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Everything arrived alive! Great stock of fish, snails, and shrimp. Provided great resources on acclimation and other information as well!
Kyle · July 22, 2026
Java Fern
T
Tim · August 6, 2026
Love them!
All 4 plants arrived quickly and healthy. Not much trimming of dead/dying leaves needed. Beautiful rich green color. Love them!