Microsorum pteropus 'Tropica'

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

Should be secured to driftwood or rocks using thread or aquarium-safe glue. It is highly effective in the midground to background areas where it can grow undisturbed. The horizontal rhizome must be exposed to the water to prevent decay.

Botanical form

Rhizome

Renowned for its large, heavily lobed, and deeply cut leaves that give it a highly ornate, jagged appearance. It is one of the most distinctive Java ferns, with broad, bright green fronds that look almost like oak leaves. It grows from a sturdy, creeping rhizome that anchors tightly to surfaces.

Growth

Slow

Exhibits a slow and steady growth rate, producing new fronds gradually over time. Its slow growth makes it a great choice for aquascapes that are intended to be low-maintenance. Providing better lighting and CO2 can marginally increase its growing speed.

Substrate

None

As an epiphytic species, Microsorum pteropus 'Tropica' does not utilize the substrate for rooting or nutrition. Its thick green rhizome must remain completely exposed to the open water, while its wiry roots seek out physical grip on stones or wood. Substrate composition is consequently immaterial, as the plant relies fully on liquid fertilizers and organic waste in the water column for sustenance.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Absorbs all its necessary nutrients directly from the water column. Dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer ensures the leaves remain robust and free of deficiencies. Potassium is especially vital to maintain the integrity of its large, intricate leaves.

Root fertilization

None

Being an epiphyte, it derives no benefit from nutrient-rich substrates or root tabs. The roots serve only to anchor the plant to hardscape elements. Planting the rhizome in soil or gravel will quickly lead to the death of the plant.

Trimming

Occasional

Pruning is simple; remove any old, unsightly, or decaying leaves by cutting them off near the base. This redirects the plant's energy into producing fresh, healthy growth. Because of its size, removing a few large leaves can dramatically change the look of the clump.

Propagation

Cuttings

Propagation is done by cleanly cutting the rhizome into smaller sections, making sure each piece has leaves and roots. It also reproduces by forming tiny plantlets on the edges and undersides of older leaves. These plantlets can be detached and grown independently once they develop a root system.

Sensitivity

Moderate

Extremely durable and capable of surviving in very low light conditions. It is, however, intolerant of having its rhizome buried in the substrate. Older leaves may naturally develop harmless brown or black spots, which is typical for the species.

Layout role

Epiphyte, Midground, Background

Makes a fantastic, eye-catching specimen plant due to its large, deeply lobed leaves. It provides excellent texture and a wild, jungle-like aesthetic to the midground of larger aquariums. It pairs beautifully with smoother-leaved plants like Anubias or Cryptocoryne.