Variety of Java fern
Windelov java fern
Leptochilus pteropus 'Windelov'
One of 15 varieties of Leptochilus pteropus · See all varieties →
Also known as Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov', Lace Java fern, Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv'
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
- 7.9 in
- 20 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
- Cultivar (Tropica selection of a Southeast Asian species)
Overview
Windelov java fern is a compact java fern for the midground, or for the foreground when grown on hardscape. It stays around 15 to 20 cm and suits beginners.
Did you know
Windelov java fern is named after Holger Windeløv, the founder of the Danish plant nursery Tropica. That makes it one of the few aquarium plants named after a real person in the trade.
Caring for Windelov java fern
Glue or tie the rhizome to wood or rock, and never bury it in the substrate. That is the same rule as for every java fern, since a buried rhizome rots.
Windelov java fern grows in low light with no CO2. It feeds from the water column, so a liquid fertilizer suits it. It does well at 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).
The finely branched tips trap detritus. A little water movement and an occasional gentle blast from a turkey baster keep the lace clean. Growth is slow, and plantlets form on the leaf edges, ready to pull off once they have roots and tie down.
Good to know
Windelov is a crested leaf form of java fern in the family Polypodiaceae. Its fronds finely branch and split at the tips into a lacy, antler-like fan. Its accepted name is Leptochilus pteropus, though it is still sold as Microsorum pteropus. It spreads by a creeping rhizome and clones itself through plantlets on the leaf edges. The crested trait is fixed and comes true from those plantlets.
In the wild
Windelov java fern is a cultivated form with no true wild population. It comes from java fern, which grows along streams and rivers in Malaysia, Thailand and nearby regions of Southeast Asia. The parent species attaches to rocks, wood and roots, and lives both above and below the waterline. The cultivar keeps those traits and exists only because the aquarium trade selected and propagated it.
Common questions
Is Windelov java fern a different species from java fern?
No. Windelov java fern is a variety of java fern, Leptochilus pteropus. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species. It also differs in spread.
Does Windelov java fern need to be planted in the substrate?
No. Windelov 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 Windelov java fern need CO2?
No. Windelov java fern grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does Windelov java fern need?
Windelov java fern is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Windelov java fern need root tabs?
No. Windelov 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 Windelov java fern?
Windelov 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 Windelov java fern grow?
Windelov java fern grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.