🌿 Java Fern on Driftwood
A clear, practical guide tailored for aquascapers who care about both plant health and aesthetics.

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🌱 Description
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is a hardy, slow‑growing aquatic plant native to Southeast Asia. It’s a classic choice for driftwood‑based aquascapes because:

– It naturally grows epiphytically—attaching to wood, rocks, and hardscape rather than rooting in substrate.
– Its leaves are tough, textured, and visually striking, giving a mature, natural look.
– It tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it ideal for beginners and advanced scapers.

Common Varieties
| Variety | Features |
|——–|———-|
| Regular Java Fern | Broad green leaves, classic look |
| Narrow Leaf | Slim, elegant leaves; great for mid‑ground |
| Windelov (Lace) | Frilly leaf tips; decorative |
| Trident | Multi‑split leaves; premium aesthetic |
| Mini | Compact growth; perfect for nano driftwood |

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🪵 Why It Works Perfectly on Driftwood
Java Fern attaches using rhizomes, not roots. The rhizome grips the wood over time, creating a natural, aged look. Driftwood also provides:

– A stable anchor
– Shaded micro‑areas Java Fern loves
– A dark contrast that makes the leaves pop

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🧩 How to Attach Java Fern to Driftwood

1. Prepare the Plant
– Rinse gently.
– Trim any black or mushy leaves.
– Keep the rhizome exposed—never bury it.

2. Attach Securely
Use one of these methods:
– Cotton thread (will dissolve naturally)
– Fishing line (invisible and long‑lasting)
– Super glue gel (safe when used sparingly on the rhizome underside)

Attach lightly—don’t crush the rhizome.

3. Placement Tips
– Position in low to moderate light areas.
– Avoid placing directly under strong light to prevent algae on leaves.
– Allow water flow around the plant to keep it healthy.

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💧 Care Requirements

Water Parameters
– Temperature: 20–28°C
– pH: 6.0–7.8
– Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water
– Works perfectly in low‑tech tanks

Lighting
– Low to medium
– Too much light = algae on leaves

Fertilization
– Doesn’t need heavy dosing
– Benefits from:
– Liquid fertilizers (micro + macro)
– Occasional root tabs near driftwood if roots reach substrate (optional)

CO₂
– Not required
– CO₂ will increase growth speed and leaf size

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🧼 Maintenance
– Remove old, black, or transparent leaves regularly
– Trim daughter plants from the rhizome and reattach elsewhere
– Avoid burying the rhizome in substrate—it will rot

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🐟 Tank Compatibility
Perfect with:
– Shrimp
– Small community fish
– Bettas
– Discus
– Most aquascapes (especially nature and jungle styles)

Not ideal with:
– Goldfish
– Large cichlids that may uproot or chew leaves

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🎨 Aesthetic Tips for Aquascapers
Given your strong design eye, here are some layout ideas:

– Use multiple small clumps instead of one big bush for a more natural look.
– Combine with Anubias, Bucephalandra, and mosses for a cohesive epiphytic theme.
– Place Java Fern on the shaded side of driftwood to mimic natural riverbanks.
– Let the rhizome creep along the wood to create a mature, aged effect.

🌱 Hemianthus callitrichoides (HC Cuba) Pre‑Grown Mat 15x10cm

✨ Description
Hemianthus callitrichoides, widely known as HC Cuba, is one of the smallest and most sought‑after carpeting plants in aquascaping. The pre‑grown mat format gives you an instant, established carpet that roots quickly and minimizes the usual melting or slow start associated with loose HC.

This mat features:
– Tiny, round leaves that form a dense, vibrant green carpet
– Ultra‑compact growth ideal for nano tanks and Iwagumi layouts
– A fully rooted structure that transitions smoothly into your substrate
– Safe for shrimp, snails, and all freshwater fish
– A clean, professional look right from day one

Perfect for aquascapers who want a fast, lush foreground without the hassle of planting individual stems.

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💧 Care Requirements

💡 Light
– Requires medium to high light for tight, low growth.
– Insufficient light causes upward growth and thinning.

🌿 CO₂ & Nutrients
– CO₂ injection is highly recommended for healthy, compact carpeting.
– Benefits from nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
– Regular liquid fertilization supports vibrant color and fast spreading.

🌱 Planting the Pre‑Grown Mat
– Place the mat directly on the substrate.
– You can keep it whole for instant coverage or cut into smaller squares to encourage faster lateral spread.
– Press gently so roots contact the substrate, but avoid burying the leaves.

💧 Water Parameters
– Temperature: 20–28°C
– pH: 5.5–7.5
– Soft to medium-hard water
– Stable parameters help the mat root quickly and prevent melt.

🌬️ Flow & Maintenance
– Gentle to moderate flow prevents debris buildup.
– Trim regularly to maintain a low, carpet-like appearance.
– Remove any yellowing or melting sections early to keep the carpet dense.

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🐠 Ideal For
– Iwagumi and nature-style aquascapes
– Nano tanks
– Foreground carpets
– High-tech planted aquariums
– Shrimp tanks (excellent grazing surface)