java fern propagation

[hoppinghippo]

I noticed my jave ferns develop roots followed by shoots and then leaves on the underside of existing leaves. how do I propagate them?

[vinz]

They will either detach by themselves, or you can pluck them off the parent leaf easily. I usually wait till there are at least a few leaves on the plantlet.

[ttl100]

gurus / taikos

I am never successful with Java ferns eventhough many said it's one of the easiest plant to cultivate. I've tried twicee and both failed miserably. They don't propogate but the leaves just slowly become darker and darker and finally blackened out. What am I doing wrong? Water too hard? pH? Help me!

[Irn-Bru]

must java ferns be tied to logs?
can they be planted into the gravel?
i am looking for background plants for my 15" tank... wonder how tall will they usually grow to?

[vinz]

ttl100,

In general, Java Fern turns black under bright lights in an otherwise healthy planted tank. It could be anything else depending on your tank's condition. You need to tell us more details of your tank and how you tried to grow your JF before we can help you.

[vinz]

Irn-Bru,

You cannot plant it into the gravel. However, if you place it on the gravel and weigh it down with a small rock, it's roots will eventually stick to enough gravel to stay there.

There are several varieties of Java Fern. Microsorum pteropus, M. pteropus 'Windelov', M. pteropus 'Tropica', and Microsorum "Narrow". You can find out more about them at Tropica's website... www.tropica.com.

[hoppinghippo]

thanx vinz!