The Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium is a beautiful cultivated variety of Microsorum pteropus, often known as the ‘Windelov’ or crested Java fern. Its finely branched, frilly leaf tips create a soft, intricate look that stands out on driftwood, rocks and other hardscape.
Hardy, undemanding and slow‑growing, Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium is perfect for low‑tech planted tanks, shrimp setups, community aquariums and aquascapes where you want long‑lasting greenery without constant trimming.
Why Choose Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium?
The Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium offers a lot of benefits with minimal effort:
- Distinctive crested, finely branched leaf tips for a premium aquascape look
- Grows 10–20+ cm tall and wide, ideal for mid‑ground to background use
- Very hardy and forgiving – great for beginners and experienced scapers
- Low light and low CO₂ demand, perfect for low‑tech tanks
- Rarely eaten by herbivorous or plant‑picking fish
Because it’s an epiphyte, Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium is planted on hardscape rather than buried in the substrate.
How to Plant Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium
To get the best from Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium:
- Attach the rhizome to driftwood, rocks or other décor using thread, glue or plant wire
- Do not bury the horizontal rhizome in the substrate – this can cause it to rot
- Position it in low to medium flow where leaves can gently sway
Over time, Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium will:
- Anchor itself with fine roots to the surface it’s attached to
- Spread slowly, forming a bushy clump with many crested leaf tips
- Produce small plantlets on older leaves that can be detached and re‑attached elsewhere
Care Requirements for Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium
The Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium is very easy to care for:
- Light: Low to medium light is ideal; too much light can cause algae on leaves
- CO₂: Not required; grows well in non‑CO₂ tanks
- Water parameters: Tolerant of a wide range of pH and hardness
- Temperature: Suits typical tropical aquarium temperatures
Regular water changes and stable conditions are usually all it needs. If growth is very slow or leaves pale, you can supplement with an all‑round liquid fertiliser, but heavy dosing is rarely necessary.
Perfect for Community & Shrimp Tanks
The Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium works beautifully in:
- Community tanks with tetras, rasboras, gouramis and corydoras
- Shrimp aquariums, where its leaves and roots provide grazing surfaces
- Aquariums with fish that may nip softer plants, as Java fern is often ignored
Because it is not usually eaten by herbivorous fish, Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium is a reliable choice where other plants may struggle.
Aquascaping with Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium
In the aquascape, Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium is ideal for:
- Mid‑ground focal points on driftwood branches or rock outcrops
- Background clusters behind hardscape to soften lines
- Creating a natural, jungle‑style look with its crested, frilly leaves
Combine Crested Java Fern (Micro Pteropus) – Medium with mosses, Anubias and other epiphytes to build rich, layered hardscape compositions that stay attractive long‑term with minimal maintenance.
