About the species

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident' is a narrow-leaved Java fern whose leaves are three-lobed, just as the name suggests. The degree of division varies a good deal, and the same plant may carry anything from entire leaves to strongly divided ones. The variety reaches 15–20 centimetres and is neater than ordinary Java fern, and small new plants often form out on the leaf tips.

Facts

• Latin name: Microsorum pteropus 'Trident'
• Plant type: Rhizome plant
• Origin: Cultivated variety
• Height: 15–20 cm
• Growth rate: Slow
• Position: Wood and stone

Light requirement

Low light requirement. It manages with the lighting that comes with most aquariums and is happy in partial shade behind or beneath taller plants. Strong lighting does not harm it, but raises the risk of algae on the leaves because the plant cannot use all the available light.

CO₂ & nutrition

Manages entirely without added CO₂, which makes it as suitable for a simple aquarium as for an aquascape. Liquid carbon or injected CO₂ speeds up growth but is never a requirement. Dose an all-round fertiliser with iron and micronutrients every week.

Planting

The rhizome must never go into the substrate — it will rot. Instead tie or glue the plant onto a piece of wood or a stone using fishing line, thread or plant glue, and leave it until the roots have taken hold on their own. It can also simply be wedged into a crevice in the hardscape.

Clean the glass where the suction cup will sit, press it firmly into place and check that the leaves are not pressed against the pane. The cup can be moved whenever you like.

Care & propagation

It needs almost no maintenance at all. Propagation is simple: divide the rhizome with sharp scissors or a knife so each piece keeps at least three or four leaves. Make sure there is a gentle current past the plant so no debris collects between the leaves.

Position in the aquarium

It grows on hardscape rather than in the substrate, so it can be placed anywhere in the aquarium — on a piece of wood, a stone or a back wall. That makes it as useful in the foreground as high up in the layout.

Difficulty level

🟢 Easy — grows in most aquariums without CO₂ and under ordinary lighting.

Delivery format

Delivered pre-grown on a piece of wood with a suction cup, so it can be attached straight onto the aquarium glass. It is a neat way to add greenery higher up without taking floor space.

Recommendation

A favourite in aquascaping for its feathery look, and just as easy as any other Java fern. Nip off the small plants on the leaf tips once they have roots of their own and glue them onto the next branch.