Variety of Java fern
Trident java fern
Leptochilus pteropus 'Trident'
One of 15 varieties of Leptochilus pteropus · See all varieties →
Also known as Microsorum pteropus 'Trident'
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
- 9.8 in
- 25 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
- Sarawak, Borneo (cultivated trade form)
Overview
Trident java fern is a compact java fern for the midground and bushy hardscape planting. It grows faster than most java fern forms.
Did you know
Trident is thought to come from Sarawak on Borneo, though the trade now propagates it only as a cultivar.
Caring for Trident java fern
Attach the rhizome to wood or rock with thread or gel glue and keep it above the substrate, since burying the rhizome rots it. Trident wants only low light and no CO2, and it feeds from the water.
It throws plantlets generously, so it is one of the quickest ferns to fill in. Pull the plantlets off once they have roots and tie them down to spread it further.
Good to know
Trident is a form of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus, still often sold as Microsorum pteropus, in the family Polypodiaceae. Its fronds carry two to five narrow, finger-like lobes on each side, which gives the forked trident look. The lobed shape stays stable in cultivation.
In the wild
Trident's parent species, java fern, grows on rocks and roots along forest streams in Southeast Asia. Like every java fern it grows submersed or emersed as the water level shifts.
Common questions
Is Trident java fern a different species from java fern?
No. Trident java fern is a variety of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus. It reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species. It also differs in spread.
Does Trident java fern need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Trident 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 Trident java fern need CO2?
No. Trident java fern grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does Trident java fern need?
Trident java fern is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Trident java fern need root tabs?
No. Trident 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 Trident java fern?
Trident 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 Trident java fern grow?
Trident java fern grows to about 9.8 in (25 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.