🌿 Microsorum pteropus ‘Narrow’ – Slender Java Fern with Upright Leaf Structure

Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow', commonly known as Java Fern Narrow, is a refined and elegant variant of the classic Java Fern, easily recognized by its long, narrow, upright leaves. This cultivar is a favorite among aquascapers for its graceful form and vertical growth, making it an excellent choice for midground or background placement in planted aquariums.

At Aquarium Plants Factory, we cultivate Java Fern Narrow in its emersed form, ensuring a hardy plant ready to transition to submerged conditions. Once established, the slender green fronds gently sway in the current, adding subtle motion and height to your aquascape while maintaining a clean, open aesthetic.

Like all Microsorum species, Java Fern Narrow is a rhizome plant that must be attached to driftwood, stones, or other hardscape elements. It should never be buried in substrate, as doing so may lead to rhizome rot. This plant is slow-growing, low-maintenance, and thrives in low- to medium-light environments with no need for CO₂—ideal for beginners or those running low-tech aquariums.

🌟 Key Features:

• Long, Narrow Leaves: Provides vertical contrast and an elegant, upright appearance

• Hardscape Attachment: Best mounted on wood, rock, or decor—no need for planting in substrate

• Slow Growth & Easy Care: Perfect for low-maintenance, low-tech setups

• Versatile Use: Works well in both midground and background aquascape placements

• Grown Emersed: Strong rhizomes transition smoothly to submerged growth

🔎 Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Narrow’

• Synonyms: Leptochilus pteropus ‘Narrow’

• Common Names: Java Fern Narrow

• Plant Type: Rhizome plant

• Placement: Attach to driftwood, stone, or hardscape

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Lighting: Low to Medium

• Origin: Southeast Asia

💡 Optimal Growing Conditions:

• Lighting: Performs best under low to medium light

• CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ is not required; occasional liquid fertilizer supports leaf strength

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🌱 Growth & Propagation:

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Nutrient Substrate: Not required

• Can Grow Emersed: Yes

• Propagation Method: Rhizome division

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:

• Bare-root Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, loose rhizome

• Bunched Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight

• Potted Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown.

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Never release Java Fern Narrow—or any aquarium plant—into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings and unwanted portions responsibly to protect local ecosystems.