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

—

🌱 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 |

—

🪵 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

—

🧩 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.

—

💧 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

—

🧼 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

—

🐟 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

—

🎨 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.

🌱 Lilaeopsis brasiliensis Pre‑Grown Mat 15x10cm

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis, commonly known as Micro Sword, is a compact foreground plant prized for creating lush, low‑growing carpets in freshwater aquariums. The pre‑grown mat format offers an instant, established carpet that transitions quickly into your aquascape with minimal melt or adaptation stress.

This plant features:
– Fine, grass‑like leaves forming a dense, bright‑green lawn
– Naturally low height (3–7 cm), perfect for foregrounds and nano tanks
– Strong root structure already developed in the mat
– Ideal for Iwagumi, nature-style, and minimalist layouts
– Safe for shrimp, snails, and all freshwater fish

The pre‑grown mat makes aquascaping easier by providing immediate coverage, reducing algae risk, and speeding up the carpet‑forming process.

—

💧 Care Requirements

💡 Light
– Medium to high light encourages compact, dense growth.
– Under low light, leaves may grow taller and spread more slowly.

🌿 CO₂ & Nutrients
– CO₂ is recommended for fast, tight carpeting but not mandatory.
– Benefits from nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
– Liquid fertilizers help maintain vibrant green color.

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

💧 Water Parameters
– Temperature: 20–28°C
– pH: 6.0–7.5
– Soft to medium-hard water preferred
– Stable conditions help the mat root quickly

🌬️ Flow & Maintenance
– Moderate flow prevents debris buildup between the blades.
– Trim regularly to maintain a low, carpet-like appearance.
– Remove any yellowing leaves to keep the mat healthy.

—

🐠 Ideal For
– Foregrounds in planted tanks
– Nano aquascapes
– Iwagumi layouts
– Shrimp tanks
– Beginners and advanced aquascapers alike