Variety of Java fern
Petite java fern
Leptochilus pteropus 'Petite'
One of 15 varieties of Leptochilus pteropus · See all varieties →
Also known as Microsorum pteropus 'Petite', Java Fern Petite, Dwarf Java Fern, Microsorum pteropus 'Mini'
FreshwaterBrackishFernRhizome divisionPlantlets
Varieties · Leptochilus pteropus
See all 15 →
Care at a glance
- Light
- Low light
- CO2
- CO₂ beneficial
- Temperature
- 68–82°F
- 20–28°C
- Max height
- 3.1 in
- 8 cm
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Placement
- Epiphyte
- Type
- Fern
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- Spread
- 3.9 in (10 cm)
- Nutrient uptake
- Root + water column
- Growth region
- Submersed or emersed
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (cultivated dwarf form)
Overview
Petite java fern is a dwarf java fern and about as easy as aquarium plants get. Its tiny size makes it a nano feature or a detailed accent in bigger scapes.
Did you know
Petite java fern propagates itself, with nothing to sow. Tiny baby ferns bud out of its older leaves and drop off to start new plants on their own.
Caring for Petite java fern
Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rock and keep it above the substrate, since burying it causes rot. Petite java fern tolerates a wide range of water, including brackish, and takes 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).
Low light is enough. It grows without injected CO2, though added CO2 makes it grow faster. It takes nutrients through its roots and leaves, and on hardscape a liquid fertilizer covers both.
Growth is slow, and the plant can be left alone for months. To make new plants yourself, cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each and attach them elsewhere.
Good to know
Petite java fern has been reclassified as Leptochilus pteropus but is still sold everywhere under the old name Microsorum pteropus. Petite is a compact form with short, narrow, slightly wavy fronds that reach only a few centimeters.
In the wild
Petite java fern's parent species grows across Southeast Asia on rocks and roots in and beside streams and waterfalls. It often clings to hardscape in fast, shaded water rather than rooting in soil. Petite is a selected dwarf cultivar of that plant and shares the same wood-and-rock lifestyle.
Common questions
Is Petite java fern a different species from java fern?
No. Petite java fern is a variety of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus. It reaches about 3.1 in (8 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species. Added CO2 helps it, while the species grows well without. It also differs in feeding, pH, spread and temperature.
Does Petite java fern need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Petite java fern 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 Petite java fern need CO2?
No, but it helps. Petite java fern can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.
How much light does Petite java fern need?
Petite java fern is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Petite java fern need root tabs?
No. Petite java fern 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 Petite java fern?
Petite java fern 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 Petite java fern grow?
Petite java fern grows to about 3.1 in (8 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.