MICROSORUM PTEROPUS NARROW |
|
Scientific Name |
Microsorum pteropus Narrow |
Common Name |
Narrow Leaf Java Fern |
Difficulty |
Easy |
CO2 Requirements |
Low |
Lighting Requirements |
Low |
Plant Arrangement |
Background |
Growth Rate |
Slow |
Family |
Polygonaceae |
Genus |
Microsorum |
Origin |
Southeast Asia |
Plant Type |
Fern |
Water Hardness |
Medium (GH = 9-13 dH) |
Background History Microsorium pteropus var. ‘Narrow’ is a variant of the normal variety of Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern). Like Java Fern it originates in Southeast Asia, but it is most noticeably different in its narrow and thinner leaves. It requires the same growing conditions and is still an easy plant for most aquatic plant enthusiasts. Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’ is commonly called Narrow Leaf Java Fern, or Needle Leaf Java Fern. It is important to note that Needle Leaf Java Fern may be an entirely different variant than the Narrow variety. Botanists have not made a determination on whether or not there are two separate variants due to striking similarities between the two so call variants.
Growth Characteristics Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’ is adaptable to ranging aquarium conditions. In low light aquariums, with mimumum fertilization and carbon dioxide injection, growth is slow but plant remains alive and healthy. In high light, fertilized and carbon dioxide injected aquariums Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’ will grow at a moderately faster pace with a tendency to develop more plantlets. Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’ leaves grow no wider than 1 inch (2.5 cm) and to a height of 10-12 inches (20-35 cm). The leaves are attached to a rhizome (stalky horizontal stem) that should not be buried in the substrate. As Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’ develops, the older leaves will develop miniature plantlets which can be cut away and replanted. Older or oversized leaves may be trimmed as appropriate; however, it is important to note that there will be slight browning on the edges of the cut leaves. Trimming leaves at different intervals will help to mask the browning of leaves until they heal. To cultivate Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’, simply cut the healthy rhizome in half and reattached to driftwood or rocks. The smaller plantlets that form on older leaves may also be replanted using thread, rubber bands or fishing lines.
Aquascaping Application Microsorium pteropus ‘Narrow’ is a versatile plant that is most suitable for a background or midground placement. The rhizome is often attached to driftwood or rocks using thread, rubberbands, and fishing line. The long, narrow leaves look beautiful against small leaf foreground plants such asGlossostigma elatinoides, or round leaves from Anubias species. |