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Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+
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100% Live Arrival Guarantee
Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Easy
Light
Low
CO₂
Not required
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Java Fern$7.99
Species Profile
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Why We Love This Plant
Selected for shrimp tanks
Improves water quality
No CO₂ required
Beginner-friendly
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is one of the most widely used rhizome plants in the freshwater hobby — tough, adaptable, and visually striking with its wide, strap-like dark green fronds. Like Anubias, it is an epiphytic rhizome plant that grows attached to hardscape, not in substrate. The rhizome must remain ABOVE the substrate at all times.
Java Fern grows under low light without CO2 or fertilizer and tolerates a wide range of water parameters. Slow-growing but highly durable, it adds structure and vertical presence to a planted tank and provides shrimp with biofilm-rich grazing surface on its broad fronds.
Care Notes
Java Fern grows attached to hardscape. The rhizome — the thick horizontal structure at the base of the plant — must remain ABOVE the substrate. Burying the rhizome causes rot. Attach with super glue gel or thin thread to driftwood or a flat stone.
Low light is sufficient. CO2 and fertilizer are not required. Trim damaged fronds at the rhizome with sharp scissors. Java Fern also reproduces by producing tiny plantlets on the edges and undersides of mature leaves; these can be left to establish or removed and attached to new hardscape.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Easy
Temperature
68–82°F
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Light Req.
Low
CO₂
Not required
Placement
Attach to driftwood or stone with super glue...
What’s Included
Healthy live plants
Damp-packed bags
Packed with damp protective material
Free at $75+
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Plant
01
Classic Low-Light Rhizome Fern
Wide, strap-like fronds on a tough rhizome structure. Thrives under low light without CO2 and tolerates conditions that would stress most other plants.
02
Reproduces From Leaf Tips
Mature fronds produce tiny plantlets on their edges and undersides. Detach and attach them to new hardscape to expand your fern coverage naturally.
03
Selected for Shrimp Tanks
Selected for shrimp tanks and handled with invertebrate safety in mind. Broad fronds host heavy biofilm that shrimp graze on constantly.
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
Attach Java Fern to a substantial piece of driftwood — a mid-to-large plant benefits from hardscape that matches its scale. The rhizome ABOVE substrate is non-negotiable. Look for tiny plantlets developing on mature fronds; once they have a few roots, they can be detached and glued to new hardscape to expand your coverage.
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
1
Order Your Plants
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
2
Inspected & Trimmed
Every plant is inspected and trimmed if needed before packing. We avoid dry or brittle portions and only ship healthy, viable plant material.
3
Packed for the Weather
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+. Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Packed Fresh for Your Aquarium
Every plant is inspected, trimmed when needed, and packed damp so it arrives ready for your aquarium. We avoid dry or brittle portions and pack plants with the same care we use for every order that leaves our facility.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Aquariums on-site \u2014 we know what plants thrive
48+
States served with safe plant delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Packed Damp & FreshFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Java Fern FAQ
Is Java Fern safe for shrimp?+
Yes — Java Fern is great for shrimp tanks. We select plants for shrimp tanks and handle them with invertebrate safety in mind. The broad fronds host biofilm shrimp graze on constantly.
How do I attach it?+
The rhizome (the thick horizontal structure at the base) must stay ABOVE the substrate. Attach with super glue gel or thin thread to driftwood or stone. Hold the glue for 30 seconds.
How does it reproduce?+
Mature fronds produce tiny plantlets on their edges and undersides. Once the plantlets develop a few roots, they can be detached and glued or tied to new hardscape.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Adding livestock to your order unlocks free 2-Day Shipping at $120+ or free Overnight at $200+.
Do I need CO2 or fertilizer?+
No. Java Fern grows under low light without CO2 or fertilizer.
Why can't I plant it in substrate?+
Java Fern is an epiphyte. Burying the rhizome causes it to rot. The roots can extend into substrate but the rhizome itself must remain above it.
How is it shipped?+
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it. Plants typically ship Monday through Thursday so they avoid sitting over the weekend.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — Live Plant Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photograph the plant in its original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting, and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.
