Java Fern on Lava Rock – Natural Elegance for Any Aquarium

Transform your aquascape with the timeless beauty of Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) mounted on porous lava rock. This hardy, slow-growing plant adds lush greenery and texture to freshwater tanks while promoting biological filtration. Its vibrant green fronds contrast beautifully against the rugged, dark lava stone, creating a stunning focal point in nano tanks, aquascapes, or shrimp setups.

🔍 Key Features:
– ✅ Low-maintenance & beginner-friendly – thrives in a wide range of conditions
– ✅ Attached to natural lava rock – easy placement, no substrate needed
– ✅ Ideal for aquascaping – perfect for foreground or midground use
– ✅ Compatible with shrimp, snails, and peaceful fish
– ✅ Improves water quality – supports beneficial bacteria growth

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🧪 Care Tips for Java Fern on Lava Rock

Keep your Java Fern thriving with these simple care guidelines:

– 💡 Lighting: Low to moderate; avoid intense light to prevent leaf burn or algae growth
– 🌡️ Temperature: 20–28°C (68–82°F)
– 💧 Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5; soft to moderately hard water
– 🧼 Placement: Do not bury rhizome—lava rock keeps it elevated and healthy
– 🧪 Fertilization: Optional; liquid fertilizers or root tabs near the rock can boost growth
– 🐟 Tank Mates: Safe with most community fish, shrimp, and snails
– ✂️ Propagation: Gently separate plantlets from mature leaves and reattach to hardscape

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This versatile plant is a must-have for aquascaping enthusiasts seeking a natural, low-effort way to elevate their underwater world. Whether you’re designing a lush jungle tank or a minimalist layout, Java Fern on lava rock delivers beauty and balance.

🌿 Ludwigia sp. ‘Guinea’ (Ludwigia senegalensis) is a striking stem plant prized in aquascaping for its vivid red coloration and intricate leaf veining. Originally from Africa, it’s now a rare but popular choice among advanced aquarists.

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📝 Description
– Scientific name: Ludwigia senegalensis (formerly Ludwigia sp. ‘Guinea’)
– Appearance: Deep red leaves with green and light-colored veins; in optimal conditions, leaves show a full red surface with a central vein.
– Growth habit: Upright stem plant; can grow submerged or emersed (creeping form above water).
– Placement: Best used in the mid-ground of aquascapes due to its moderate height and visual impact.

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🌱 Growing Tips

💡 Lighting
– Requires high light intensity, especially with a strong red spectrum to enhance coloration.
– In low light, leaves turn more green and lose vibrancy.

🧪 Nutrients & Substrate
– Thrives with rich substrate feeding, especially nitrogen in ammonia form.
– Needs a balanced fertilizer regimen—deficiencies can quickly lead to stunted, dark leaf tips.

💨 CO₂ & Water Parameters
– Benefits from stable CO₂ injection, though it can survive in low-tech setups with cooler temperatures.
– Prefers slightly soft water, but this is not strictly necessary.

✂️ Maintenance
– Propagate by trimming tops and replanting.
– Bottom stems will sprout side shoots if healthy.
– Space stems adequately to prevent overcrowding and ensure light penetration.

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⚠️ Challenges
– Not beginner-friendly due to its sensitivity to lighting, nutrients, and CO₂ fluctuations.
– Requires prompt attention to nutrient imbalances to avoid rapid decline.