Java Fern: Aquatic Plants for Goldfish

Java Fern

Microsorum pteropus

Region: The Java Fern is found in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia




Habitat: You can find them growing in the shallows along the banks of rivers and streams




Water: Java Ferns grow in waters from 65-82 degrees with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and a soft to moderate hard water hardness KH of 3-8




Lighting: The Java Fern will grow in low to bright light but does best in medium light.




Height: 8-12 inches




Growing: Goldfish are not known to eat Java Ferns so it makes an ideal aquatic plant for your goldfish tank. The java fern doesn’t get it’s nutrients from the substrate so placing its roots in the substrate is not recommended and can lead to root rot. The Java fern is a slow growing aquatic plant that grows best wrapped around rocks, bark or driftwood. Plant it at a medium depth, and don’t worry if it grows out of the water. It is an amphibious aquatic plant so it will grow in our out of the water. You should tie the plant to these objects using fishing line in order to give them time to take hold with its root system.




Propagation: Division is done by dividing rhizomes and by adventitious plants that form on its roots or leaves. When its leaves are browning, is when the Java Fern is in a sexual reproductive stage. Spores will form on the brown leaves and new plants will sprout, grow and then release from its mother plant.








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