Microsorum pteropus 'Undulata'

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

Best attached to pieces of wood or rock in the aquarium using string or glue. It fits nicely in the midground where its unique leaf texture can be easily appreciated. It is crucial to leave the rhizome completely unburied to avoid rot.

Botanical form

Rhizome

Distinguished by its broad, bright green leaves that feature strongly undulating, wavy margins. The leaves are slightly thinner and more delicate in appearance compared to the standard Java fern. It grows from a creeping rhizome and forms a dense, textured canopy.

Growth

Slow

Grows at a slow pace, characteristic of most Java fern varieties. This makes it a very low-maintenance plant that rarely needs trimming. It slowly but surely expands into a dense, attractive bush over several months.

Substrate

None

Like all forms of Java Fern, Microsorum pteropus 'Undulata' demands an epiphytic placement rather than traditional planting. The creeping rhizome will suffocate and die if smothered by aqua soil or inert gravel. Providing a solid textured surface, such as Seiryu stone or spider wood, allows the roots to safely anchor the plant while it feeds exclusively through its leaves and exposed tissues.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Relies entirely on the water column to absorb nutrients through its leaves and root system. Regular dosing of a complete liquid fertilizer is highly beneficial for maintaining vibrant coloration. Adequate water flow helps distribute these nutrients evenly across the plant's surface.

Root fertilization

None

Substrate fertilizers are completely useless for this epiphytic plant. The roots are designed exclusively for attaching to hard surfaces, not for drawing nutrients from the soil. Burying the roots and rhizome will cause the plant to suffocate and die.

Trimming

Occasional

Requires minimal pruning; simply snip off older or damaged leaves at the base near the rhizome. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages new, wavy leaves to emerge. Avoid cutting the leaves mid-way, as the remaining portion will slowly decay.

Propagation

Cuttings

Easily propagated by snipping the rhizome into sections, ensuring each piece has healthy leaves and roots. It also naturally propagates by producing small adventitious plantlets on the tips and edges of mature leaves. These plantlets can be carefully removed and reattached elsewhere.

Sensitivity

Moderate

Very robust and tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and lighting conditions. It is particularly sensitive to having its rhizome buried, which is the most common reason for its failure. It can occasionally suffer from fern melt if subjected to sudden, massive changes in water chemistry.

Layout role

Epiphyte, Midground, Background

Adds wonderful texture and movement to the midground of an aquascape due to its wavy leaf margins. It contrasts beautifully with finely textured mosses or straight-leaved stem plants. It is ideal for creating natural, bushy focal points among hardscape materials.