Java Fern 'Windelov'

Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’, commonly known as Java Fern ‘Windelov’, is a distinctive cultivated form of the widespread Asian fern Microsorum pteropus. The wild species is native to Southeast Asia, occurring across regions of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, parts of southern China, and Sri Lanka, where it grows attached to rocks, driftwood, and submerged roots in shaded streams, slow-moving rivers, and periodically flooded forest margins. These habitats are typically low-light environments with gentle flow, clear to slightly tannin-stained water, and constant humidity, allowing the species to thrive both fully submerged and in emergent conditions. The ‘Windelov’ variety originated in cultivation and is characterized by its finely branched, lace-like leaf tips.

Java Fern ‘Windelov’ grows to a moderate size with elongated green leaves that fork at the ends into delicate, ornamental filigree. The plant maintains a robust rhizome from which leaves and roots emerge, and its slow to moderate growth rate makes it well suited to aquariums with subdued lighting or to shaded regions beneath taller plants. The intricate division at each leaf tip creates a bushy, textured appearance that stands out against simpler-leaved species and adds visual complexity to hardscape-focused aquariums.

A variety of tank sizes accommodate Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’, as it attaches readily to wood, stone, or other porous surfaces. It should never be buried in substrate, as covering the rhizome leads to decay. Moderate flow, stable water conditions, and a lightly shaded setting reflect the habitats where wild Microsorum species naturally occur. Lower lighting intensifies the deep green coloration and reduces the risk of algae accumulation on the leaves.

Water parameters for Java Fern ‘Windelov’ are highly flexible, contributing to its popularity. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, from soft to moderately hard water, with temperatures between 68 and 82°F and pH values from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. While it does not require CO₂ supplementation, it responds well to consistent water quality and benefits from occasional micronutrient fertilization, especially in tanks with very low nutrient levels.

Feeding is not applicable, but nutrient uptake occurs primarily through the water column and the rhizome surface. The plant’s slow growth makes it relatively undemanding yet also means that persistent debris or algae can accumulate on the leaves in poorly maintained setups, so gentle cleaning and stable tank conditions are helpful.

Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’ is fully compatible with a wide range of tankmates, including delicate fish, shrimp, and bottom dwellers. Its tough leaves make it resistant to most herbivorous species, including many that would otherwise damage softer plants. Shrimp and small fish often use the fine leaf tips for shelter and feeding surfaces.

Propagation occurs by division of the rhizome or through plantlets that develop on older leaves, eventually detaching and rooting on new surfaces. Growth is steady but not fast, making it easy to manage and place within a layout without frequent trimming.

Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’, Java Fern ‘Windelov’, is a resilient and visually intricate aquarium plant that thrives in low to moderate light environments, offering a refined, lace-like texture and dependable growth habit well suited to planted and hardscape-focused aquariums of all sizes.