Allways a good experience , fast delivery , really well packed .
Microsorum pteropus On Lava - Mini
Mini Java fern on lava rock — compact, easy, no substrate needed
- Regular price
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£14.99 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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£14.99
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Quick Facts
Rating:
Common name: Java fern
Origin: Cultivated
Position in Aquarium: Midground
Grows up to (cm):
Growth rate: Slow
Dimensions (cm): 8-10cm
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.
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.
Customers praised this aquatic fern attached to lava rock as "really healthy" and "perfect" for aquariums. The plant arrives well-packaged with fast delivery and is ideal for axolotl tanks. Shoppers appreciated easy positioning without glue and great value. One customer noted leaves were "a bit scraggly," and some advised considering tank floor space before purchase.
- Very nice live plant, arrived looking very healthy, great addition for my axolotl!
- Really healthy plant. Very useful as easy to position and no messing with glue.
- Great plant, looks fantastic in the aquarium, very healthy, fast delivery, well packaged.
S
Fit:
Very nice live plant, arrived looking very healthy, great addition for my axolotl!
I
Great plant , looks fantastic in the aquarium, very healthy , fast delivery, well packaged, overall very happy . Plant is on the left of the picture.
F
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
Excellent plant looks great in my aquarium.
G
Great plant, great price.
A
Really healthy plant. Very useful as easy to position and no messing with glue.
C
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
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
I have bought from AquaEssentials many times and have always been very satisfied with the plants.
J
Arrived in good time. Still going strong. Bit scraggily the leaves. 4 stars overall.
A
A little smaller than what I anticipated, but good quality and fits lovely in my aquarium
S
exactly as described & in great condition, quick service too.
R
Plant looks really good and very firmly established on the rock.
G
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.
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.
