Microsorum Pteropus Narrow Leaf

Java Fern Narrow Leaf (Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow Leaf')

The Microsorum Pteropus 'Narrow Leaf' is a refined cultivar of the iconic Java Fern, beloved by aquascapers for its elegant, slender fronds and effortless adaptability. Unlike the broad-leafed standard form, the Narrow Leaf variety brings a graceful, fine-textured look to driftwood, rocks, and hardscape — making it a staple in Nature Aquarium, Wabi-Kusa, and low-tech planted tanks alike.

Why Aquascapers Love It

• Elegant narrow fronds — slender, lance-shaped leaves create a delicate, flowing silhouette
• True low-tech plant — thrives without CO₂ injection or high-intensity lighting
• Epiphyte — attach to driftwood or rocks; never bury the rhizome in substrate
• Extremely hardy — tolerates a wide range of water parameters and low-light conditions
• Beginner to expert friendly — virtually indestructible, yet beautiful enough for competition aquascapes
• Propagates easily — produces adventitious plantlets on leaf tips that can be separated and reattached

Care at a Glance

• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Mid-ground to Background; attach to hardscape
• Light: Low–Medium (0.25–0.5 W/L)
• CO₂: Not required; optional for faster growth
• Temperature: 18–30 °C (64–86 °F)
• pH: 6.0–8.0 | Hardness: 2–25 dGH
• Growth rate: Slow to Moderate
• Propagation: Divide rhizome or collect leaf-tip plantlets

Important: Do not bury the rhizome in substrate — it will rot. Use fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue to attach the plant to driftwood or rock until roots establish. Compatible with virtually all fish and invertebrates, including shrimp and cichlids.