Name: Microsorum Pteropus Needle Leaf
Brand: WCA
SKU: APC0298
Price: 19.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Microsorum Pteropus Needle Leaf

$19.99 USD

Usually ships in 1-2 business days from our fulfillment center

Microsorum Pteropus Needle Leaf, more commonly known as Java Fern Needle Leaf, is a beautiful rarity in planted aquaria. Highly coveted for its unique appearance, Java Fern Needle Leaf features extremely narrow foliage when compared to more common variants of this aquatic plant. Smaller leaves with dense growth patterns make Java Fern Needle Leaf very suitable for all types of planted aquarium tanks or as an accent aquatic plant paired with larger species in standard planted aquarium tanks. Care requirements are seldom and the aquatic plant is fairly forgiving in a wide range of aquarium environments making all Java Fern species loved by beginner and seasoned aquarists alike.

What we like about this plant:

Beautiful ribbon-like leaves.
Java Fern makes a great space filler in planted tanks.
Extremely easy-going and great for low maintenance aquarium tanks.
Unique slender leaf shape.

Java Fern Needle Leaf's care is comparable to that of aquatic plants such as Anubias, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne, and Aquatic Moss. Microsorum Pteropus will thrive in low to medium light settings with good flow and a clean water column. Aside from this, optimal conditions include CO2 injection and a light fertilizing routine using a quality aquarium plant fertilizer. Java Fern can be attached directly onto aquarium driftwood or in the crevices of aquascaping stones or hardscape layouts. We recommend using it to fill spaces between aquarium driftwood layouts to really fill in the aquarium and add a sense of maturity to the planted aquarium. Java Fern is an epiphytic aquarium plant and care should be taken to ensure that rhizomes are kept above any substrate or the plant can begin to rot. Propagation is easy and straightforward; simply cut or pull apart rhizomes to be replanted/reattached.


Common Name	Java Fern Needle Leaf
Care	Easy
Lighting	Low
CO2	Recommended
Suggested Placement	Midground to Background
Propagation	Separate rhizome and attach
Growth Rate	Slow to Moderate
Height	5-12"

Our potted aquarium plants are kept under strict fertilizer dosing regimes and are provided with CO2 injection in their holding tanks.

A Complete Guide to Aquatic Epiphytes & Rhizomes

Aquarium epiphytes are unique plants that grow very different from stem plants like Rotala or carpeting plants like Micranthemum Monte Carlo. These gems are special, sprouting leaves and growing roots from a thick, horizontal stem known as a rhizome. This stem acts as the plant’s central energy hub, and ensuring its good health is integral for a happy plant.

The term rhizome plant is a coined nickname for various aquatic plants that share the structure and growing pattern. We’re talking about our Anubias, Bucephalandra and Java Ferns, to name a few big ones. If you’re looking to grow any of these in your aquascape, keep reading! We’ll cover planting, attaching techniques, the best tools to keep handy, care tips, how to identify common issues and how to address them.

Wedged Anubias Chili Jalapeno naturally rooted to hardscape after a year

How to Plant and Attach Aquarium Epiphytes

Working with aquatic epiphytes is a little different from stems and rosette plants, but this is what makes them great for new hobbyists. Instead of planting them in aquasoil, you can attach these to whatever aquarium decor you’d like. In the aquascaping world, decor usually means driftwood, stones or other decor.

A common mistake is treating it like other aquatic plants and burying the rhizome in the substrate. While it may seem counterintuitive, doing this suffocates the rhizome and starves it of light, eventually resulting in damages that can kill the plant if it isn’t corrected. Keep your rhizomes above surface and exposed! Here are the best methods for planting and attaching these.

Bucephalandra Red Mini Popular Aquarium Plant for Planted Tank

Tie it down: Get some natural cotton thread or clear fishing line. Position the plant and when you’re ready, wrap it around several times or until it’s secure. Your wrap should be tight enough that it won’t fall off or float away, but there should be, some wiggle room so the plant isn’t cut into and has space to naturally attach. Once this happens, you can remove the thread if preferred.

Glue it in place: Grab some aquarium-safe superglue (cyanoacrylate). The gel-type is more precise and better for this method. Finalize placement and dab a small amount then press the rhizome gently in place and hold it for a few seconds. Remember! A little goes a long way—Too much glue can damage the rhizome. It also cures white and will be noticeable when you fill your tank.

Wedge it into hardscape gaps: Natural driftwood and stones are loaded with texture and natural crevices that are prime spots for aquarium epiphytes. Pick your favorites and gently wedge your plants in. They will eventually understand the assignment and latch on. This option is most natural and will take the longest, but it’s our favorite! (Let nature unfold ;D)

Lighting, Care & Growth Tips for Freshwater Epiphytes

We hope you’re feeling confident! Now, let’s talk about general care and how to propagate aquarium epiphytes - they’re arguably some of the easiest to grow and maintain. You have too much Anubias, said no one ever.

Lighting: Most epiphyte plants grow at a snail’s pace. Keeping lighting gentle is the move if you have your plants in a low-tech planted tank. This will help maintain steady growth and avoid algae issues. However, we want to emphasize that they can be beautiful additions in high-tech planted aquariums. The difference is that these tanks usually include CO2 injection and faster-growing aquarium plants that absorb nutrients with ease to outcompete algae and keep it at bay where it belongs. Determine what you have in your aquarium, and go from there. Making adjustments along the way is part of the fun.

Maintenance: Probably one of the most attractive qualities. Maintenance is almost non-existent and most of the time, very little needs to be done. Aquarium epiphytes are the equivalent of concrete plants—no fuss. Just make sure to regularly monitor their growth by looking at them. Remove yellowing or melting leaves to help redirect its energy to producing new growth rather than repairing damages. If you notice debris or algae on leaves, use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove it. We like using a toothbrush.

Propagation: To propagate your aquatic epiphytes, simply cut the rhizome into sections. When you’re deciding where to cut, make sure each section has some healthy roots and a leaf or two for best results. Before you do this, consider investing in a quality set of aquascaping tools to make this and a lot of similar planted tank tasks easier in the future. Using a dull blade can crush or damage plant tissue and that’s what we don’t want. Once you have your sections, choose your favorite method for reattaching.

Bucephalandra and Anubias self-attached to driftwood

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even though they're hardy, they're not immune to issues—especially in new setups. Here's a quick-reference cheat sheet for spotting and addressing the most common problems.

Rhizome Rot
Symptoms: The rhizome is squishy or has an unpleasant smell
Causes: Improper planting/attaching (keep your rhizomes exposed!)
What you can do: Check the full length of the rhizome. Healthy sections should be green and firm. Remove affected areas and replant it using your preferred method.

Yellow, Holes or Melting Leaves
Symptoms: Your plant has a lot of discolored or translucent leaves
Causes: Check that your aquarium is fully cycled and has plenty of good beneficial bacteria. This can also be caused by lack of nutrients or natural aging as the plant works to produce new growth.
What you can do: Reread our section on maintenance! You can check your water parameters, but we typically don't unless there are more serious issues present. Lastly, introduce a gentle aquarium liquid fertilizer for a boost.

Algae on Leaves
Symptoms: Green, brown or black fuzzy buildup on leaf edges
Causes: Strong lighting, high bio-load, tank placement
What you can do: Adjust your light settings. Want it bright? Reduce the duration they're on. Think about when you last cleaned your filter! How's the flow? Make sure you didn't place your plant in a dead spot (an area of the tank that receives little to no flow) If you've checked the boxes, remove visible algae and be consistent with water changes.

BEFORE

AFTER

Java Fern 'Trident Mini' wedged in between Malaysian Driftwood after 8 months of growth with CO2 injection

And that’s a wrap! Aquatic epiphytes are some of the best beginner-friendly options in the aquarium hobby. They’re easy to work with, come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and are incredibly forgiving. No matter your skill level, rhizome plants are sure to become a staple for you. Now that you know how to identify, plant, care for and troubleshoot issues that may arise, all that’s left is choosing the right ones for your aquascape. Still deciding? Check out our full collection or reach out—we’re always happy to help.

Shop Planted Tank Epiphytes

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