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Microsorum pteropus trident

Unique divided trident leaves on a decorative and easy Java fern variety

Regular price
£8.99
Regular price
Sale price
£8.99
  • Hurry, only 2 items left in stock!
Quick Facts

Rating:

Common name:

Origin: Asia

Position in Aquarium:

Grows up to (cm): 40 cm

Pot Size: 5 cm

Growth rate: Slow

Description

Microsorum pteropus Trident is one of the most distinctive and sought-after Java fern varieties, featuring leaves that divide into multiple fine, pointed projections that give each leaf a trident or antler-like shape. The resulting texture is unlike almost any other aquarium plant and creates a highly decorative, complex visual effect when the plant is attached to driftwood or rock arrangements.

Like all Java fern it requires no substrate planting, instead growing best when attached to hardscape with the rhizome exposed and not buried. It thrives in low to medium light without CO2 injection and is tolerant of a very wide range of water conditions, making it suitable for low-tech planted aquariums, community tanks, and cichlid set-ups alike.

Supplied as an established potted plant, Microsorum pteropus Trident suits aquariums from 40 litres upward and is a particularly popular choice among aquascapers wanting a textural statement plant for driftwood features. Its unusual divided leaf form works especially well alongside mosses, other fern varieties, and fine-leaved plants.

Plant Sizes

You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.

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 trident Tropica
Microsorum pteropus trident Tropica
Microsorum pteropus trident Tropica
Microsorum pteropus trident Tropica
Microsorum pteropus trident Tropica

Customers praised this aquarium fern for its distinctive thin, narrow leaves and excellent growth. Reviews consistently highlight "great quality plants" with "healthy" specimens arriving "well packaged" and in "perfect condition." Shoppers report thriving growth even in low-tech aquariums, with new plantlets developing on leaf ends. Fast delivery and superior quality compared to retail shops noted.

  • Great quality plants, far better than you will receive from the shops.
  • Looks beautiful with its thin leaves a real change to other javas
  • Very green and healthy. They are growing well even in the short time I have had them.
  • 5 stars: 19 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
Jack

Big, good shape

P
Phillip K.K. (Belfast, GB)
Lovely plants

Great quality plants, far better than you will receive from the shops. Very easy to order and delivered quickly in great condition.

N
Noro N.
Review

Happy with the purchase. Plant arrived quickly and in perfect condition.

R
Roy W.
Review

As usual from aqua essentials, promptly received healthy well packaged plants that are already thriving in a low tech aquarium.

T
TERENCE B.
Review

Good quality plant and well packaged

C
Caroline W.
Review

I haven’t tried this plant before. It works brilliantly. Love it.

S
Susan B.
Review

Got this looks beautiful with its thin leaves a real change to other javas

V
VALERIE C.
Review

Excellent fresh plants, packaged well & planted same day & doing well in aquarium

T
Trish H.
Review

MICROSORUM PTEROPUS TRIDENT
I ordered 3 of these some time ago and they were all good sized, very green and healthy. They are growing well even in the short time i have had them. I will purchase more when they are back in stock. A beautiful java fern with narrower leaves than the typical form but I've found better growth with this than windelov but that may be because I bought the latter from a different retailer!

S
Stephen S.
Review

Quick delivery, reasonable prices for quality plants, will use again and recommend to family and friends ????

M
Marc L.
Review

Plant arrived in excellent condition.
Still quite small but thriving with new growth and already developing new plants on the ends of the leaves.
Looking excellent on manzanita wood I purchased from Aqua Essentials.

R
RUSSELL B.
Review

SO FAR VERY PLEASED, LOOKS GREAT, GOOD SIZE PLANT AND VERY HEALTHY. THANKS

H
Heather M.
Review

Excellent, attractive shaped leaves and growing well

T
Teresa T.
Review

Beautiful plant and growing very well.

C
Colin W.
Review

Fantastic size, very healthy; fast delivery!

L
Luke B.
Review

Lovely looking plant, probably my favourite type of microsorum, ordered one was really happy with it, few weeks later ordered 2 more smaller fish love to hide between the long leaves
And as always service and delivery provided were outstanding!

A
Andrew P.
Review

Number of young rhizomes supplied. The young leaves do not have the full \'antler\' effect so patience is required, but will be rewarded.

J
Julie A.
Review

Again excellent product very healthy , looks great attached to redmoor root.

T
Tanja S.
Review

Another plant from AE received in excellent healthy condition and was received well packaged. Very pleased with it!

Product FAQs

Helpful details before you buy.

What makes the Trident form unique?

Its leaves divide into multiple fine, pointed projections that give each leaf a trident or antler-like shape. This is unlike the smooth lance leaves of most Java fern varieties and creates a very distinctive texture.

Is it as easy to care for as standard Java fern?

Yes. It shares the same easy-care nature — low light, no CO2, and very tolerant of different water conditions. The unusual leaf shape comes with no added difficulty.

How do I grow it?

Attach the rhizome to wood or rock using thread, fishing line, or aquarium-safe glue. Do not bury the rhizome. The roots grip the surface naturally over time.

What does it look best with?

It pairs beautifully with mosses, standard Java fern forms, and other fine-textured plants on driftwood. The divided leaves contrast well with smooth-leaved epiphytes like Anubias.

How does it propagate?

Plantlets form naturally on older leaves and detach to anchor themselves nearby. It is self-propagating with no effort needed.