• Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
  • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
  • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
  • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
  • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
1 5

Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini

Mini Java fern on lava rock — compact, easy, no substrate needed

£12.99
£12.99
    Description

    Microsorum pteropus, universally known as Java fern, is pre-attached to a small piece of natural lava rock, creating a compact and instantly ready planted feature. The broad, wavy-edged dark green leaves grow from a creeping rhizome that attaches naturally to the porous surface of volcanic rock, making lava an ideal growing medium that the plant anchors to firmly over time.

    Java fern is one of the easiest aquarium plants available. It grows in low to medium light without CO2 injection and is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and temperatures. It is generally left alone by most fish including many cichlids, and shrimp enjoy grazing on the biofilm that forms on the broad leaf surfaces. Growth is slow but the plant is very long-lived.

    The plant is pre-established on the lava rock so no further attachment is needed — simply rinse and place in the aquarium. Never bury the rhizome. The mini size suits aquariums of 20 litres and above and works effectively in any position in the tank. The lava rock sinks immediately without weighting.
    Quick Facts

    Common name: Java fern

    Origin: Cultivated

    Position in Aquarium: Midground

    Grows up to (cm): 40 cm

    Growth rate: Slow

    Dimensions (cm): 8-10cm
    Plant Sizes

    The image of the plant you'll be receiving is just an example of what you can expect. Each plant is unique and may vary in size and shape, so it won't be an exact match to the photo. If we provide a size guide, keep in mind that it's just an estimate and that plants can vary in size depending on the time of year.
    Shipping

    Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials

    Customers praised this aquatic plant for arriving "very healthy" with excellent packaging and fast delivery. Shoppers loved how it "looks fantastic in the aquarium" and is easy to position on its lava stone base. One noted it's "perfect for axolotl tank." Minor concerns included scraggly leaves and size—some found it smaller than expected.

    • Great plant, looks fantastic in the aquarium, very healthy, fast delivery, well packaged
    • Really healthy plant. Very useful as easy to position and no messing with glue.
    • Very nice live plant, arrived looking very healthy, great addition for my axolotl!
    • 5 stars: 13 (93%)
    • 4 stars: 1 (7%)
    • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 1 star: 0 (0%)
    S
    Seraya S. (Burnley, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Perfect for axolotl tank!

    Very nice live plant, arrived looking very healthy, great addition for my axolotl!

    Seraya S. review photo
    I
    Ian B. (Maidstone, GB)
    Microsorum pteropus on Mini Lava

    Great plant , looks fantastic in the aquarium, very healthy , fast delivery, well packaged, overall very happy . Plant is on the left of the picture.

    Ian B. review photo
    F
    Ferne

    Really healthy plant, arrived well packaged and quickly. I was worried it might be really small but it was a perfect size and a lovely stone.

    D
    David C. (Wisbech, GB)

    Excellent plant looks great in my aquarium.

    G
    Grant S.
    Review

    Great plant, great price.

    A
    Alison K.
    Review

    Really healthy plant. Very useful as easy to position and no messing with glue.

    C
    Carol K.
    Review

    This is growing nicely in my tank. I have a sand substrate but I feed regularly and no sign of algae or anything like that. Very nice in my tank.

    C
    Carol K.
    Review

    I have bought live plants from AquaEssentials many times and have always been very satisfied with the plants. This plant is good and looks great in my tank.

    C
    Carol K.
    Review

    I have bought from AquaEssentials many times and have always been very satisfied with the plants.

    J
    Jasmine W.
    Review

    Arrived in good time. Still going strong. Bit scraggily the leaves. 4 stars overall.

    A
    Amanda H.
    Review

    A little smaller than what I anticipated, but good quality and fits lovely in my aquarium

    S
    Sally T.
    Review

    exactly as described & in great condition, quick service too.

    R
    Rebecca B.
    Review

    Plant looks really good and very firmly established on the rock.

    G
    Gaynor C.
    Review

    I received a lovely healthy plant very quickly and it's sitting in my 65 litre tank now.

    The only thing I would say is make sure you think about how much 'floor space' you have in your tank and were it can go before purchase. I didn't do this and although it didn't matter in the end because I have several options for positioning it, I probably should have thought about how big the piece of lava the plant is attached to would be before purchase.

    Product FAQs

    Helpful details before you buy.

    Does Java fern need to be planted in substrate?

    No — the rhizome is already attached to the lava rock. Just place it in the tank. Never bury the rhizome in substrate.

    Does it need CO2 or special lighting?

    No — Java fern is one of the most low-tech plants available, growing under standard aquarium lighting without CO2.

    Is lava rock safe for aquarium use?

    Yes — lava rock is aquarium-safe and inert. It does not significantly affect water chemistry and provides excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria.

    Is it suitable for shrimp tanks?

    Yes, fully. Java fern is shrimp-safe and shrimp enjoy grazing on the biofilm on the leaf surfaces.

    What tank size does the mini suit?

    It works from 20 litres upward, making it one of the most practical planted rock options for small and nano aquariums.

    • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    • Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    1 5

    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini

    Mini Java fern on lava rock — compact, easy, no substrate needed

    Ask a question
    Easy care Low light CO2 not required Attach to wood or rock
    £12.99
    £12.99
    • In stock

    In-stock orders normally dispatch before 4pm, Monday–Friday. Delivery details

    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials
    Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini - Aqua Essentials

    Complete your setup

    Useful additions for your aquarium

    Care essentials chosen for this plant

    Healthier plants
    Brighter results
    Neutro T Aquarium Plant Fertiliser Recommended size
    £10.99
    Liquid carbon Neutro CO₂ - Liquid Carbon for planted aquariums

    Helps boost plant growth
    and colouration.

    Recommended size
    £10.99
    Superfish Aquarium Plant Scissors Recommended size
    £11.99
    Useful additions for planting day Carefully packed with your plants Specialist aquarium plant care
    Bundle offers

    About this planted decor

    Microsorum pteropus, universally known as Java fern, is pre-attached to a small piece of natural lava rock, creating a compact and instantly ready planted feature. The broad, wavy-edged dark green leaves grow from a creeping rhizome that attaches naturally to the porous surface of volcanic rock, making lava an ideal growing medium that the plant anchors to firmly over time.

    Java fern is one of the easiest aquarium plants available. It grows in low to medium light without CO2 injection and is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and temperatures. It is generally left alone by most fish including many cichlids, and shrimp enjoy grazing on the biofilm that forms on the broad leaf surfaces. Growth is slow but the plant is very long-lived.

    The plant is pre-established on the lava rock so no further attachment is needed — simply rinse and place in the aquarium. Never bury the rhizome. The mini size suits aquariums of 20 litres and above and works effectively in any position in the tank. The lava rock sinks immediately without weighting.

    Placing your plants on wood or decor

    Position the planted piece securely in your aquarium. Keep any exposed rhizomes above the substrate. Natural wood and plants vary in shape; use the product description and dimensions above as your guide.

    Delivery & live plant guarantee

    Orders placed before 4pm Monday–Friday normally dispatch the same working day. Special-order items leave once all items are available.

    Delivery options and charges · Returns and guarantees · Help with plants that arrived damaged

    Customers praised this aquatic plant for arriving "very healthy" with excellent packaging and fast delivery. Shoppers loved how it "looks fantastic in the aquarium" and is easy to position on its lava stone base. One noted it's "perfect for axolotl tank." Minor concerns included scraggly leaves and size—some found it smaller than expected.

    • Great plant, looks fantastic in the aquarium, very healthy, fast delivery, well packaged
    • Really healthy plant. Very useful as easy to position and no messing with glue.
    • Very nice live plant, arrived looking very healthy, great addition for my axolotl!
    • 5 stars: 13 (93%)
    • 4 stars: 1 (7%)
    • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 1 star: 0 (0%)
    S
    Seraya S. (Burnley, GB)
    Fit:
    Very bad
    Very good
    Perfect for axolotl tank!

    Very nice live plant, arrived looking very healthy, great addition for my axolotl!

    Seraya S. review photo
    I
    Ian B. (Maidstone, GB)
    Microsorum pteropus on Mini Lava

    Great plant , looks fantastic in the aquarium, very healthy , fast delivery, well packaged, overall very happy . Plant is on the left of the picture.

    Ian B. review photo
    F
    Ferne

    Really healthy plant, arrived well packaged and quickly. I was worried it might be really small but it was a perfect size and a lovely stone.

    D
    David C. (Wisbech, GB)

    Excellent plant looks great in my aquarium.

    G
    Grant S.
    Review

    Great plant, great price.

    A
    Alison K.
    Review

    Really healthy plant. Very useful as easy to position and no messing with glue.

    C
    Carol K.
    Review

    This is growing nicely in my tank. I have a sand substrate but I feed regularly and no sign of algae or anything like that. Very nice in my tank.

    C
    Carol K.
    Review

    I have bought live plants from AquaEssentials many times and have always been very satisfied with the plants. This plant is good and looks great in my tank.

    C
    Carol K.
    Review

    I have bought from AquaEssentials many times and have always been very satisfied with the plants.

    J
    Jasmine W.
    Review

    Arrived in good time. Still going strong. Bit scraggily the leaves. 4 stars overall.

    A
    Amanda H.
    Review

    A little smaller than what I anticipated, but good quality and fits lovely in my aquarium

    S
    Sally T.
    Review

    exactly as described & in great condition, quick service too.

    R
    Rebecca B.
    Review

    Plant looks really good and very firmly established on the rock.

    G
    Gaynor C.
    Review

    I received a lovely healthy plant very quickly and it's sitting in my 65 litre tank now.

    The only thing I would say is make sure you think about how much 'floor space' you have in your tank and were it can go before purchase. I didn't do this and although it didn't matter in the end because I have several options for positioning it, I probably should have thought about how big the piece of lava the plant is attached to would be before purchase.

    Product FAQs

    Does Java fern need to be planted in substrate?

    No — the rhizome is already attached to the lava rock. Just place it in the tank. Never bury the rhizome in substrate.

    Does it need CO2 or special lighting?

    No — Java fern is one of the most low-tech plants available, growing under standard aquarium lighting without CO2.

    Is lava rock safe for aquarium use?

    Yes — lava rock is aquarium-safe and inert. It does not significantly affect water chemistry and provides excellent surface area for beneficial bacteria.

    Is it suitable for shrimp tanks?

    Yes, fully. Java fern is shrimp-safe and shrimp enjoy grazing on the biofilm on the leaf surfaces.

    What tank size does the mini suit?

    It works from 20 litres upward, making it one of the most practical planted rock options for small and nano aquariums.