Variety of Java fern
Java fern narrow leaf
Leptochilus pteropus 'Narrow'
One of 15 varieties of Leptochilus pteropus · See all varieties →
Also known as Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow', Narrow leaf Java fern, Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow Leaf'
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
- 13.8 in
- 35 cm
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Epiphyte
- Type
- Rhizome
- pH
- 5.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Spread
- 5.9 in (15 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Origin
- Cultivated form of a Southeast Asian species
Overview
Java fern narrow leaf is a beginner fern that works as a midground or background accent on wood. Its skinny leaves give a fuller, more upright bush than standard java fern, without wide, sail-like leaves.
Did you know
Java fern narrow leaf is the tallest of the java ferns, despite its delicate look. Its slender fronds grow well past those of the broad-leaved original.
Caring for java fern narrow leaf
Attach the rhizome to wood or rock with thread or gel glue, and keep it above the substrate. A buried rhizome rots. Java fern narrow leaf takes 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C) and also tolerates brackish water.
It needs only low light and no CO2. It pulls its food from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better than root tabs.
It grows slowly, so mostly leave it alone. Plantlets form on the older fronds and can be detached once they have a few roots. Dividing the rhizome gives new plants as well.
Good to know
Java fern narrow leaf is botanically identical to Microsorum pteropus, also known as Leptochilus pteropus, in the family Polypodiaceae. It is a cultivated leaf form with long, slender, lanceolate fronds roughly 1 to 2 cm wide. It grows from a creeping rhizome. The narrow leaf trait is stable in cultivation, and the plant grows in tighter than the broad regular form.
In the wild
Java fern narrow leaf is a selected form of the Southeast Asian java fern, a trade cultivar rather than a distinct wild population. The parent grows wild along streams and riverbanks across Malaysia, Thailand and neighboring regions. It attaches to rocks, wood and roots rather than rooting in mud. It lives both submersed and emersed where water levels rise and fall.
Common questions
Is java fern narrow leaf a different species from java fern?
No. Java fern narrow leaf is a variety of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus. It reaches about 13.8 in (35 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species. It also differs in spread.
Does java fern narrow leaf need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Java fern narrow leaf 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 narrow leaf need CO2?
No. Java fern narrow leaf grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does java fern narrow leaf need?
Java fern narrow leaf is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does java fern narrow leaf need root tabs?
No. Java fern narrow leaf 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 narrow leaf?
Java fern narrow leaf 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 narrow leaf grow?
Java fern narrow leaf grows to about 13.8 in (35 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.