Variety of Java fern
Java fern latifolia
Leptochilus pteropus 'Latifolia'
One of 15 varieties of Leptochilus pteropus · See all varieties →
Also known as Microsorum pteropus 'Latifolia', Microsorum pteropus 'Latifolius', Broad leaf Java fern, Java Fern Lettuce
FreshwaterBrackishRhizomeRhizome divisionPlantlets
Varieties · Leptochilus pteropus
See all 15 →
Care at a glance
- Light
- Low light
- CO2
- No CO₂ needed
- Temperature
- 64–82°F
- 18–28°C
- Max height
- 11.8 in
- 30 cm
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Epiphyte
- Type
- Rhizome
- pH
- 5.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Spread
- 9.8 in (25 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Origin
- A broad leaved selection of the Southeast Asian Java fern, a species that grows attached to rocks and driftwood along shaded streams and waterfalls.
Overview
Java fern latifolia is an easy, large-leaved fern for the mid to background of a shaded tank.
Did you know
Java fern latifolia gets the trade name Java Fern Lettuce from its wide, ruffled green blades.
Caring for java fern latifolia
Tie or glue the rhizome to wood or rock and keep it above the substrate, since a buried rhizome will rot. Java fern latifolia tolerates a wide range of water, including brackish, and takes 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).
It grows slowly in low light with no CO2. It draws its food from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better than root tabs.
Small black bumps and baby ferns appear on the leaf tips and edges as the plant matures. Pluck those plantlets off once they have a few roots and attach them elsewhere. You can also cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each.
Good to know
Java fern latifolia is an epiphytic fern that also reproduces from spores, not only from plantlets. Its accepted genus has moved between Microsorum and Leptochilus, so both names show up in the hobby.
In the wild
Java fern latifolia is a broad-leaved selection of the Southeast Asian java fern. That species grows attached to rocks and driftwood along shaded streams and waterfalls, clinging to hardscape rather than rooting in soil.
Common questions
Is java fern latifolia a different species from java fern?
No. Java fern latifolia is a variety of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus. It is grown the same way apart from its spread.
Does java fern latifolia need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Java fern latifolia grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.
Does java fern latifolia need CO2?
No. Java fern latifolia grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does java fern latifolia need?
Java fern latifolia is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does java fern latifolia need root tabs?
No. Java fern latifolia feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.
How do you propagate java fern latifolia?
Java fern latifolia propagates by rhizome division and plantlets. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots.
How tall does java fern latifolia grow?
Java fern latifolia grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.