One of the first types of plants I'd suggest for a beginner!
Java Ferns (Microsorum pteropus) are one of the most difficult aquatic plants to kill, and they are fairly slower growing. They won't need anything special in terms of lighting, filtration, or temperatures, and pretty much do just fine no matter what.
Java ferns are slower growing, and considered epiphytes; that is, they grow out of rhizomes (not roots) and attach themselves to other plants or aquatic decoration. They are very popular to attach to driftwood and rocks, and provide excellent forage and shelter for baby shrimp and fish fry.
Java ferns are hearty plants, similar to things like Swords or Anubias; so if you have fish that are nippy and like to dig (small cichlids, loaches, goldfish etc), these plants will work for your set up.
Their broad tolerance for aquarium conditions makes them an absolute favorite for aquarists across skill levels. They can grow immersed, submerged, and even in brackish water! Try your hand at a Bonsai Driftwood centerpiece by using cyanoacrylate glue to attach the rhizome to wood.
Available in five options:
- Classic Java Fern - Single Rhizome, potted, coconut mat, coconut shell bridge, full mat, 3x Plants, 5x Plants, or 10x Plants
EMERGENT-GROWN
Growing requirements:
- 65-80 Degrees Fahrenheit
- pH 6-8
- Low to Medium light intensity
- Slow growth speed
As I like to keep real ecosystems in my aquariums, there’s always a chance of harmless hitchhikers like snails or dwarf shrimp tagging along with your plants!
I personally keep several beneficial snail species in my tanks, including Colorful Ramshorns, Bronze Bladder and Pond Snails, Mini Rams, and Malaysian Trumpet Snails. These snails stay relatively small, help clean the aquarium, and do not eat healthy plants or cause harm. However, if you’d rather avoid any hitchhikers, I highly recommend checking out our blog on how to safely disinfect aquarium plants before adding them to your tank:
How to Bleach Dip Aquarium Plants Safely
All plants are freshly snipped or harvested and packed right before shipment. I take great care in preparing every order and use methods that have consistently produced the best results over many years in the hobby. A lot of love goes into every package, so please don’t leave your plants sitting in a hot mailbox for too long 🙏
Thank you for looking, aqua friends! 💚