Microsorum Pteropus ‘Narrow Leaf Red’ In Vitro Aquarium Plant

Microsorum pteropus ‘Narrow Leaf Red’ is an attractive narrow-leaved form of Java Fern with long, elegant foliage and a creeping rhizome. New leaves may display bronze, brown-red or orange-red tones around the tips and central vein before gradually developing a greener colour as they mature.

The narrow leaf shape gives this plant a lighter and more delicate appearance than standard Java Fern. It is ideal for attaching to aquarium wood, rocks and other hardscape, where it can be used in the midground or background of planted aquariums.

This is a hardy, slow-growing aquarium plant suitable for beginners and low-maintenance setups. It grows under low to medium lighting and does not require additional CO₂, although stable conditions and regular liquid fertilisation can support healthier growth. Narrow Java Fern varieties commonly develop leaves approximately 15–30 cm long, depending on the exact form and growing conditions.

In vitro portion

This product contains the full plant contents of one in vitro tub. In vitro plants are cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions and are supplied without snails, snail eggs, algae and other common aquarium hitchhikers.

Please note that the plant will be removed from its original tub and carefully repacked for transportation. This reduces the parcel size and helps protect the plant during delivery. You will still receive the full plant contents of one in vitro tub.

The plant can be separated into several smaller rhizome sections before being attached to the aquarium hardscape.

Plant care

Java Fern naturally grows from a horizontal rhizome. It should be attached to wood or stone rather than planted with the rhizome beneath the substrate, as a buried rhizome can deteriorate and rot.

How to plant

1. Carefully remove the plant from its transport packaging.
2. Rinse away any remaining clear growing gel using clean water.
3. Gently separate the plant into several smaller rhizome sections.
4. Place each section onto aquarium wood or stone.
5. Secure it using cotton thread, fishing line or a small amount of aquarium-safe cyanoacrylate glue.
6. Keep the thick horizontal rhizome completely above the substrate.
7. The roots will gradually attach themselves to the hardscape.

The plant can also be positioned with its roots in gravel, provided the horizontal rhizome remains uncovered. Mature rhizomes can be divided using clean scissors to create additional plants.

Small dark spots may eventually appear beneath mature leaves. These can be reproductive structures called sporangia and should not automatically be mistaken for disease. Java Fern may also produce small plantlets on older leaves.

Please note: The photograph shows an example of the product. The exact quantity, size, shape and colour of the plants may vary naturally. Newly developed red or bronze tones may become greener as the leaves mature. The plant is cultivated in an in vitro tub but will be removed from the tub and repacked for transportation.