{"product_id":"microsorum-pteropus-extra-large","title":"Microsorum Pteropus Extra Large","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-grown, extra-large Java Fern – a mature specimen that brings instant presence to a layout. As hardy as they come, it is an epiphyte you tie to wood or rock and simply let be. Perfect for anchoring the midground of a new tank or a goldfish setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eJava Fern grows across South-East Asia, clinging to rocks, roots and driftwood along streams and waterfalls rather than rooting in soil. It often grows emersed on wet rock in the wild and adapts easily to full submersion. In the aquarium it recreates that setting when attached to hardscape in gentle to moderate flow – it never needs to be planted in substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA big, multi-leaf clump of broad deep-green fronds growing from a thick creeping rhizome, veined and leathery, often already carrying plantlets on the older leaves. Where smaller portions take time to establish, this extra-large plant already looks the part. Individual fronds reach 15–30 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlacement and Aquascaping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn epiphyte for the midground and background – attach the rhizome to wood or rock and never bury it, as a buried rhizome will rot and the plant will die. Tie it on with cotton thread or fishing line, or use a dab of gel superglue, until the roots grip on their own (usually a month or two). It is one of the few plants tough enough for goldfish and cichlid tanks, and looks its best in a shaded, low-flow corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Propagation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo not plant the rhizome in substrate. Remove any pot and rockwool, then fix the rhizome to wood or rock so it sits on the surface. It propagates by rhizome division – cut the rhizome into pieces, each with a few leaves – and by adventitious plantlets, tiny ferns that sprout on older leaves and leaf tips and can be detached and reattached once they have roots of their own.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrives in low to moderate light; strong light without CO2 tends to encourage algae on its slow-growing leaves. No CO2 required, though it grows faster and fuller with it. A modest water-column feeder – dose a little liquid fertiliser, and note it is prone to potassium shortfall, which shows as black spots and holes in the leaves. Comfortable at 20–28 °C across a wide pH of 5.5–8.0 and soft to hard water. Growth is slow, so keep leaves clear of algae and be patient with new plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicrosorum pteropus (syn. Leptochilus pteropus)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJava Fern\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSouth-East Asia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEpiphyte (midground\/background)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow to Moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required (beneficial)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertilisation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLiquid fertiliser (water column)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.5–8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to hard (2–15)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePropagation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRhizome division and plantlets on leaf tips\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginners, low-tech tanks, goldfish and cichlid tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the best plants for tricky tanks – it shrugs off goldfish, most cichlids and boisterous community fish that would eat softer plants. Excellent with shrimp and snails, which graze algae off the tough leaves without harming them.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVery few problems, but persistent rhizome-nibblers and large plecos can worry a newly attached plant before it grips. Avoid burying the rhizome or dosing liquid carbon at high strength, which some ferns resent. Otherwise this is about as tolerant as aquarium plants get.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAustralian-grown aquarium plants for in-store collection or local delivery. Sold sizes\/portions reflect what we stock; anything shown as sold out will return as we restock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234107965731,"sku":"BA9307","price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/microsorum-pteropus-extra-la-43199900549411-v2.webp?v=1790321588","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/microsorum-pteropus-extra-large","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}