Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus – Live Freshwater Aquarium Plant (Bare Root)

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is one of the most popular and trusted freshwater aquarium plants in the hobby. Known for its durability, elegant leaf shape, and extremely easy care, this plant is perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

This bare root Java Fern arrives unpotted and ready to attach to driftwood, rocks, or aquarium décor. Its slow, steady growth and ability to thrive in low light make it an ideal choice for low-tech aquariums, community tanks, and natural aquascapes.

Key Features

Classic Aquarium Favorite
One of the most widely used and reliable aquarium plants worldwide.

Bare Root Format
Easy to attach to driftwood, rocks, or décor—no substrate required.

Low Light Tolerant
Thrives in low to moderate lighting conditions.

Hardy & Adaptable
Grows well in a wide range of water parameters.

Beginner-Friendly
No CO₂ or special fertilizers required.

Benefits

Java Fern enhances aquariums with natural texture and greenery while requiring very little maintenance. Its tough leaves resist grazing by fish, making it ideal for tanks with herbivores. The plant also provides shelter for shrimp, fry, and shy fish, contributing to a more balanced and stress-free environment.

Care Guide

Light
Low to moderate

Water Temperature
68–82°F (20–28°C)

Placement
Midground or background
Attach to décor—do not bury the rhizome.

Substrate
Not required

CO₂
Not required

Growth Rate
Slow

Maintenance Level
Easy

How to Attach

• Place the plant against driftwood, rocks, or décor
• Secure gently using thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe glue
• Keep the rhizome fully exposed
• Roots will naturally attach over time

Propagation

Java Fern propagates easily through rhizome division.
Simply separate or cut the rhizome and reattach the new section to décor.

Perfect For

• Freshwater aquariums
• Beginner aquascapers
• Low-light tanks
• Shrimp, betta, and community tanks
• Natural and low-tech setups

Why Choose Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus?

• Extremely hardy and long-lasting
• Thrives in low light
• No substrate or CO₂ required
• Easy to propagate
• Timeless, natural aquascape look

Quality Assurance

• Healthy, hand-selected live plants
• Inspected before shipping
• Shipped fresh and ready to attach

Live Arrival Guarantee

Your plant is protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
If it arrives damaged or unhealthy, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with photos for a replacement or refund.

Important Notes

• Never bury the rhizome—it may rot
• Slow growth is normal
• Some leaf melt may occur during initial adjustment
• Natural variation in size and leaf shape is expected

At Canton Aquatics LLC, we take great pride in providing high-quality live aquarium plants to our customers. We understand the complexities involved in shipping live plants and are committed to ensuring they arrive at your doorstep in excellent condition.

Shipping Process:

• All live plants are shipped using USPS Standard and Priority Mail to provide the fastest and most reliable service.
• Plants are typically shipped Monday - Friday to avoid weekend delays.
• Each plant is carefully packaged in sealed plastic bags to hold in moisture during the shipping process.

DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy:

• If you receive plants that are dead on arrival, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
• Upon receipt of the photos, we will assess the situation. If the plants are determined to be DOA, we will replace or provide refund.
• For a valid DOA claim, replacements or refunds will be processed within 2 business days after the claim is approved.
• Please keep in mind that all plants require sun light to live therefore your plants may arrive slightly yellow.  Please float your plants at the top of your tank near the light for 3 days if applicable.  They will enjoy this new added light intensity to help them recover.

Limitations and Responsibilities:

• The DOA policy is only applicable if the first delivery attempt is made within the shipping duration specified at the time of purchase.
• Delays due to incorrect shipping information provided by the customer or missed deliveries will void the DOA guarantee.
• Extreme weather conditions can impact the health of the plants in transit. We recommend checking the weather forecasts and choosing a shipping window accordingly.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to acclimate the plants to their new environment according to best practices. Our DOA policy does not cover plants that perish due to improper acclimation.

Cancellation and Changes:

• Orders can only be cancelled or changed before they are shipped. Once the order is in transit, we cannot accept cancellations or changes.

Customer Support:

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding our shipping policy or the condition of your plants upon arrival, please contact our customer support team at [Contact Information].

By placing an order with Canton Aquatics LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.

Please be sure to check the regulations in your state regarding restricted plants. Our policy is to avoid shipping any plants that are prohibited in your area to ensure compliance and environmental safety. It's important not to introduce plants into the wild or waterways, as this could disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

We appreciate your efforts in helping to protect the environment. For the latest updates, you can consult the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural habitats.