
#Java fern aquarium plant full#
Java ferns grow at a relatively slow to moderate rate (roughly one inch per month) until it reaches their full height, which can range anywhere from 6 to 13 inches.īecause java ferns are often purchased when they’re about 3 or 4 inches tall, it usually takes at most a year’s time before they reach their maximum height.Īs with many plants, the more nutrients, light, and CO2 the java fern receives, the faster it’ll grow. Java ferns have been seen growing in both hard and soft water. The optimum water temperature and pH level for growing java ferns are between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 28 degrees Celsius), and between 6.0 and 7.5 respectively.

Java Fern Temperature and pH Requirements Though they can tolerate and may grow faster under brighter/medium lighting, this is not required, making java ferns ideal for low-light habitats. Java ferns only require low light, something that can often be detrimental to other aquarium plants. These roots work by anchoring the plant to an object, such as a log or a rock so that the plant doesn’t remain floating in the water or get swept away. Roots – the roots of java ferns are usually dark brown and grow beneath the rhizome. This structure is primarily responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients that the plant needs. Leaves grow above the rhizome while roots grow below.

They will grow along the surface of anything the java fern is attached to. Rhizome – rhizomes look similar to green roots, but are actually the stems of the plant. Typically, these leaves are long, narrow, pointed, and of bright green color. Leaves – the leaves may be anywhere from ¼ inch to 12 inches long. Some leaves may have black lines running through them, which is completely normal, or have black bumps on the surface, which indicate new java ferns getting ready to sprout.Ī java fern’s structure can be separated into three parts: The typical java fern consists of long, wavy leaves that can vary in color from medium to dark green. This, along with the fact that they require little maintenance and care, makes the java fern highly desirable to beginner and experienced aquarists alike. In an aquarium setting, java ferns can be grown in almost any freshwater condition, where they often provide decent hiding and resting areas for your other tank inhabitants. In nature, java ferns can be found growing by tree trunks, on rocks or wood, and on the roots adjacent to rivers and waterfalls, where they are grown either partially or fully submerged in water.

The java fern specifically is a type of fern native to Southeast Asia. What Are Java Ferns? Source: ferns are a type of fern, meaning that they’re vascular plants that reproduce via spores, not seeds or flowers. Source: ferns are fairly easy to plant and care for since they require no substrate and can absorb nutrients straight from the water without using fertilizers.īefore moving on to the planting and maintenance process, let’s first have a closer look at the java fern to see what really makes them so special. Java ferns, due to selective breeding, can come in several varieties ranging from long bushy leaves to needle-like leaves, but they typically have wavy medium-dark green leaves.
#Java fern aquarium plant how to#
In this article, we’ll be going into detail as to what truly makes this plant special, as well as how to plant and care for it. Java ferns are often preferred by aquarists due to their hardiness, appearance, and ability to coexist with a large range of aquarium inhabitants.
