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Java Fern 'Windelov'
Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov'
A distinctive lacy cultivar of the Java Fern named after Tropica's founder, Holger Windeløv. It features finely branched, curly leaf tips resembling staghorns. Requires hardscape attachment (wood or rock) and shade.
Class:Polypodiopsida
Order:Polypodiales
Family:Polypodiaceae
Subfamily:Microsoroideae
Genus:Leptochilus
Species:Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov'
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Water Temperature
18 - 30 °C
pH Value
5 - 8
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Bassa
CO2
Bassa
Expected height
20 cm
Expected width
20 cm
GH
4 - 20 dGH
KH
2 - 15 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov' is an artificially cultivated variety developed in the laboratories of Tropica in Denmark, based on the nominal species native to Southeast Asia. It does not exist in the wild as a wild cultivar, but is derived from rheophilic tropical forest strains.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Belonging to the Polypodiaceae family, it is named after the founder of Tropica, Holger Windeløv. It is a patented and commercially registered cultivar. Genetically, it is stable and maintains its typical branched leaf tips across successive generations.
Physical Structure: It features a creeping horizontal rhizome structure, identical to that of the parent species. The leaves grow erect and exhibit a characteristic dichotomous branching at their upper extremities, with finely dissected and lacy tips.
Color & Texture: The leaves are medium to dark glossy green. The leaf texture is finely structured at the tips, creating an airy and curly appearance, resembling staghorns, which gives the plant a dense and three-dimensional texture.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Requires low to moderate light levels. It adapts very well to partial shade, whereas direct high light can burn the lacy fronds. It does not require CO2, but benefits from low-level supplementation.
Nutrition & Substrate: Being an epiphytic plant, the rhizome must never be buried in the substrate to prevent rot. It should be tied or glued to hardscape elements. It requires a regular supply of potassium and microelements dissolved in the water.
Water Chemistry: Thrives in temperatures between 18 and 30°C (64-86°F), with an optimal pH range of 5.0 to 8.0. Tolerant of both soft, acidic water and moderately hard, alkaline water.
Space Management & Placement: Placed in the midground anchored to driftwood or rocks. It is ideal for hiding joints or technical equipment. The curly tips tend to collect debris if placed in areas with poor water circulation.
Pruning: Pruning is done by removing old or damaged leaves, cutting the petiole close to the rhizome. It propagates by dividing the rhizome or harvesting adventitious plantlets that form on the leaf tips.
Risks & Diseases: Rhizome rot due to burial is the main danger. The lacy tips can accumulate organic debris, promoting the growth of Black Beard Algae (BBA) if filtration is not optimal.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov' is an artificially cultivated variety developed in the laboratories of Tropica in Denmark, based on the nominal species native to Southeast Asia. It does not exist in the wild as a wild cultivar, but is derived from rheophilic tropical forest strains.
Origin
South and Southeast AsiaSelective breeding and cultivars
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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