Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow', commonly known as Narrow Leaf Java Fern, is a popular easy-care aquarium plant featuring long, slender green leaves that create a graceful, flowing appearance. This XL Pot offers a larger, more established portion than a standard pot, making it an excellent choice when you want greater plant mass and a more immediate visual impact in your aquascape.
Like other Java Fern varieties, Microsorum Narrow is an epiphyte plant that grows naturally attached to rocks, driftwood, and other hardscape rather than requiring nutrient-rich substrate. Its low light requirements, slow growth, and ability to grow without injected CO₂ make it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquascapers.
Placement: Midground to background, or attached directly to rocks and driftwood.
Lighting: Low to moderate lighting.
CO₂: Not required. Supplemental CO₂ may encourage stronger growth but is entirely optional.
Substrate: Not required. Microsorum is best attached to hardscape with its rhizome exposed.
Fertilization: Benefits from regular water-column fertilization.
Maintenance: Slow growing and easy to maintain. Older or damaged leaves can be removed near the rhizome as needed.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' |
| Common Name | Narrow Leaf Java Fern / Microsorum Narrow |
| Format | XL Pot |
| Plant Type | Rhizome / Epiphyte |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Colour | Green |
| Placement | Midground / Background / Hardscape |
| Lighting | Low to Moderate |
| CO₂ | Optional |
| Propagation | Rhizome Division / Plantlets |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Remove the plant from the XL pot and gently remove the growing media from around the roots. Rather than planting the rhizome beneath the substrate, position the plant directly onto aquarium driftwood or rock.
The plant can be secured using aquarium-safe glue, thread, or fishing line until its roots naturally grip the hardscape. If you prefer to position it near the substrate, the roots may be placed into the substrate as long as the thick horizontal rhizome remains exposed.
The narrower foliage gives this Java Fern a lighter and more flowing appearance than traditional broad-leaved Microsorum varieties. This makes it particularly useful for adding height and movement without creating an overly heavy mass of foliage.
Attach the XL portion around the base or branches of driftwood, between larger rocks, or behind lower-growing epiphytes such as Anubias and Bucephalandra. The larger XL Pot is especially useful when creating a mature-looking focal point or filling a substantial section of hardscape.
No injected CO₂ is required. Microsorum Narrow is well suited to low-tech planted aquariums and can grow successfully with appropriate lighting and consistent water-column nutrients.
Its combination of low light requirements, slow growth, and no substrate requirement makes it an excellent option for aquariums where easy maintenance is a priority.
Available in Canada at Aquascaperoom — premium freshwater aquarium plants and professional aquascaping supplies.
