🌿 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.

🌿 Java Fern Windelov Pre‑Attached on Driftwood

🌱 Product Description
This pre‑attached Java Fern Windelov features the elegant, lace‑tipped leaves that make this cultivar one of the most decorative epiphytes in the hobby. Each plant is securely mounted onto natural driftwood, allowing it to settle instantly into any aquascape without the need for tying or gluing.

The frilled leaf tips create a soft, flowing texture, while the driftwood base adds a natural, mature look to the aquarium. Over time, the rhizome will firmly grip the wood, creating a seamless, organic growth pattern that mimics nature.

Perfect for beginners and experienced aquascapers, this ready‑to‑use piece brings instant greenery and structure to your tank.

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💧 Care
– Light: Low to medium. Avoid intense direct light to reduce algae on the frilled leaf tips.
– Water Parameters:
– Temperature: 20–28°C
– pH: 6.0–7.8
– Soft to moderately hard water
– CO₂: Not required, but enhances growth and leaf density.
– Fertilization: Benefits from regular liquid fertilisers; heavy feeding not necessary.
– Placement: Ideal for mid‑ground or attached to hardscape. Ensure good water flow around the leaves.
– Maintenance: Remove older or blackened leaves. New plantlets may form on leaf tips—these can be left to grow or detached and reattached elsewhere.

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🐟 Compatibility
Safe for shrimp, community fish, bettas, and soft‑water species. Not suitable for tanks with goldfish or large cichlids that may damage the leaves.