Name: Trichomanes Javanicum Fern
Brand: WCA
SKU: WCA086P
Price: 10.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Trichomanes Javanicum Fern Rare Terrarium Vivarium House Plant

$10.99 USD ~~$12.99 USD~~

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

IMPORTANT: Our terrarium, paludarium and vivarium plants are provided with ample humidity and medium-high lighting in their respective containers. Please ensure you are familiar with general terrarium plant care as well as quarantine practices and rehab care. Should you choose to change this plant's growing environment, please allow the plant to acclimate first, then transition slowly and according to each respective plant's care requirements. We encourage minimum humidity levels of 60-70% starting off.

LIVE PLANTS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO STRESS AND DAMAGE FROM TRANSIT - This may appear in the form of leaf loss, cosmetic damage, dropping etc. Refunds or replacements will not be issued for plants with viable root systems.

Trichomanes Javanicum is a beautiful terrarium fern that originates from South East Asia. With little information available, this plant offers delicate foliage and texture to any terrarium, paludarium or vivarium enclosure. From experience, this terrarium fern, sometimes called the Borneo Fern, does best with higher humidity levels and low to medium lighting. This species is fairly slow-growing but is definitely a must-have terrarium plant for any fern collector, lover, or enthusiast. Insufficient humidity may present itself in the form of crisping leaf edges and/or slow decline of overall health. One of our favorites!

Trichomanes Javanicum Fern is NOT an aquarium plant. Submerging this plant in an aquarium will kill it! Trichomanes Javanicum Fern Rare Terrarium Vivarium House Plant


Common Name(s)	Trichomanes Javanicum Fern Borneo Fern Terrarium Fern
Care	Easy
Lighting	Low to Medium
Growth Rate	Slow
Size	Varies Depending on Conditions

A Complete Guide to Aquatic Epiphytes & Rhizomes

Aquarium epiphytes are a unique type of plant that don’t grow like typical rooted plants. Instead of growing straight down from their roots, they sprout new leaves and roots from a thick, horizontal stem called a rhizome. This stem acts as the plant’s central hub, sending leaves upward and roots downward at the same time.

The term rhizome plant refers to a wide variety of plants that share the same structure and growing style. Some popular types are Anubias, Bucephalandra and Java Fern. If you’re looking to add any of these to your aquascape, keep reading to learn how to plant and attach them properly, the best tools and techniques to use, spot and address common issues and how to care for them long-term.

Wedged Anubias Chili Jalapeno naturally rooted to hardscape after a year

How to Plant and Attach Aquarium Epiphytes

Planting aquatic epiphytes are a little different from working with stem or rosette plants—and that’s what makes them beginner-friendly. Instead of being planted in substrate, they grow best when attached to natural materials like aquarium driftwood, stones or other decor.

One of the most common mistakes is burying the rhizome in soil or sand. While it may seem counterintuitive, doing this can lead to rot, eventually killing the plant. The rhizome needs to stay exposed to light and water flow for good health. Here are the best methods for planting and attaching.

Bucephalandra Red Mini Popular Aquarium Plant for Planted Tank

Tie it down: Use aquarium-safe thread or clear fishing line to gently secure it to your desired surface. Over time, its roots will grow over the thread and naturally secure the plant in place. We like to use green cotton thread as it blends in a little better and will eventually disappear. Once the plant self-attaches, you can manually remove the thread if preferred.

Glue it in place: Apply a small amount of aquarium-safe super glue (cyanoacrylate) directly to the desired surface. The gel-type is preferred for this application. Press the rhizome gently onto the glue and hold it for a few seconds. Remember! A little goes a long way—using excess glue can suffocate the plant and leave unsightly residue since it cures white underwater! Once it holds firm, we recommend placing it in a good spot that receives good flow and light.

Wedge it into hardscape gaps: Most aquarium decor such as driftwood and stones often feature great texture and natural crevices that are perfect for epiphytic plants. Find a good spot and tuck it in gently. The plant will slowly anchor itself over time! This is the most natural method and our favorite even if it may take a little longer. (Let nature unfold ;D)

Lighting, Care & Growth Tips for Freshwater Epiphytes

Now that you know how to attach them, let’s talk about caring for them and propagation. These plants have a solid reputation for being easy to grow and maintain.

Lighting: Most epiphytic plants are slow-growing and keeping lighting gentle and consistent is key to maintaining healthy growth and avoiding algae issues. *They can also thrive in high-tech aquariums with CO2 injection and strong lighting. However, these tanks usually include faster-growing plants that help outcompete algae and keep the environment balanced.

Maintenance: These plants don’t require frequent pruning, but regular maintenance and monitoring keeps them healthy and growing full. Trim yellowing or melting leaves at the base using sharp aquascaping scissors. Gently remove any debris or algae buildup with a soft-bristle brush. (We like using a toothbrush!)

Propagation: These are some of the easiest aquarium plants to propagate. Simply cut the rhizome into sections. Each section should have some roots and a few healthy leaves for best results. Use clean, sharp aquascaping tools—a dull blade can crush or damage the plant tissue. 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 are hardy, issues can pop up—especially in newly setup planted tanks. Here’s how to spot common problems and what you can do to fix them:

Rhizome Rot
Symptoms: smelly, mushy, soft or dark rhizome
Causes: The rhizome is buried, overglued or tied too tightly
What you can do: Inspect the rhizome for healthy sections. Remove any affected parts, replant and monitor its condition.

Yellow, Holes or Melting Leaves
Symptoms: Leaves become translucent or discolored
Causes: Tank isn’t fully cycled, water quality issues, lack of nutrients, natural aging
What you can do: Remove affected leaves. Check water parameters. If needed, provide a gentle aquarium liquid fertilizer and allow plants time to adjust.

Algae on Leaves
Symptoms: Green, brown or black fuzzy buildup on leaf edges
Causes: Strong lighting, poor circulation, or excess nutrients
What you can do: Reduce lighting intensity or duration. Clean your filter to ensure good flow. Remove visible algae and perform consistent 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, aquarium rhizome plants are sure to become a staple. 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

Shipping
Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days M-F. However, additional time may be required during peak seasons and federal holidays. For orders containing live plants, we exercise extra caution and assess factors such as travel distance and weather to ensure safe transit.

To avoid delays, please ensure all order information is accurate and complete. We cannot offer refunds and are not responsible for orders shipped to incorrect addresses due to errors in provided information. Once an order has been shipped, delivery times are determined by the carrier and are outside of our control. On average, shipments arrive within 2–5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Returns
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. Approved returns must be shipped back within 14 days of approval. Returned items must be unused, unopened, and in their original packaging. Specific return requirements, if applicable, will be listed on the product’s page. For more information, please visit our FAQ page.

Refunds
No worries, we’ll take care of everything as long as it fits the guidelines above.Most answers to general questions can be found on our FAQ page.