Description
Microsorum pteropus ‘Narrow’, one of many selections of the Java fern, has very narrow leaves. This plant is also sold with the label Microsorum “Minor”. The leaves get a length of about 10-30 cm and a width of more than 1 cm. An attractive plant that is especially suitable for smaller aquariums.
Microsorum pteropus ‘Narrow’ is a narrow-leaved relatively small Java fern variety. However, several forms of M. pteropus can be found in the hobby, all of which go under that name. One of them is also called “Needle Leaf”, which has lead to the general opinion that ‘Narrow’ and “Needle Leaf” are identical. However, the fern carried under the variety name ‘Narrow’ by Tropica is not the same as “Needle Leaf”.
To be continued…
Complete botanical name
Microsórum ptéropus (Blume) Copeland
Family
Polypodiaceae
Genus
Microsorum
Difficulty
very easy
Usage
Epiphyte (growing on hardscape), Background, Midground
Growth
slow
pH value
5 – 8
Temperature tolerance
4 – 30°C
Carbonate hardness
0 – 14°dKH
General hardness
0 – 30°dGH
Propagation
Proliferating leaves, Proliferating roots, Rhizomteilung, Splitting, cutting off daughter plants
Can grow emersed?
yes
Java fern ‘Narrow’ (Microsorum pteropus) in SG tanks
The narrow-leaf Java fern is one of the most reliable epiphytes we sell, with slim leaves reaching 10-30cm that give a finer, more delicate look than standard pteropus. It is a true beginner plant: tie or glue the rhizome to driftwood or rock, keep that rhizome above the substrate, and leave it be. It thrives in low to moderate light, which suits the simpler setups common in local flats.
Singapore’s warm 27-29C water and soft tap supply present no problem, and crucially you do not need CO2 or strong light for it to do well, making it ideal for low-tech and shrimp tanks. The one rule we stress: never bury the rhizome, or it rots. Propagation is simply pulling or cutting the rhizome into sections, each carrying on independently. Black spots on older leaves are usually plantlets, not disease.
Browse our epiphytes range, then read our Java fern care guide and our overview of Microsorum pteropus varieties to pick the right leaf form.
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