java fern leaves turning transparent

**morning breakfast eat** · 5th Feb 2012, 13:20

hi all,

the leaves of my java plant are turning transparent. do you know why? I thought java fern is one of the easiest plant to keep...

I use natural lighting (i leave it by my window) and i don't dose CO2 or ferts..

java fern.jpg

**morning breakfast eat** · 5th Feb 2012, 13:42

tank is 1.5x1x1
temperature is maintained at 25-26 degrees
inhabitants are 6 neon tetras and a guppy

**|squee|** · 5th Feb 2012, 16:08

That's a new leaf right? It's normal for Java fern's new leaves to be transparent from tip down. They'll "fill out" eventually.

**morning breakfast eat** · 5th Feb 2012, 20:34

Its an old leaf.. Oh well maybe part of natural aging and dying process? is that how they die too?

**Shadow** · 5th Feb 2012, 20:43

Its normal, the transparent part is the part that still growing.

**wongce** · 5th Feb 2012, 21:22

yes, its normal, its still growing... the light green part will slowly be filled up....

Don't worry... as long it does not turn brownish should be ok....

**morning breakfast eat** · 5th Feb 2012, 22:15

Oh ok thanks!! when u mean growing does it mean it has to be a new leaf? cos my leave is old leave and quite big le also will become transparent when it grows?

**wongce** · 5th Feb 2012, 23:23

I have 2 bunch of java fern too,it shows they are still growing...it also means they are in good condition...

Note that java fern's daughter plants will grow from the tip of the leaves(they are not algae,do not snip it off)...then the old leaf will slowly die off...it's consider normal life cycle for java fern...

**morning breakfast eat** · 6th Feb 2012, 07:47

Great. Thanks for the advice everyone!

**sherwin** · 6th Feb 2012, 13:37

i had this problem with hair grass also. they became transparent then eventually became loose and grass died.. so sad...

**Shadow** · 6th Feb 2012, 13:52

Err.... Hairgrass different than fern.

**sherwin** · 6th Feb 2012, 14:31

Originally Posted by Shadow

Err.... Hairgrass different than fern.

Yeah i know... Sorry, just had to share mine... Thought the cause could be the same.

**morning breakfast eat** · 6th Feb 2012, 15:09

Sherwin di u know why ur hairgrass died? mine alsi turning abit yellow at the tips....

**sherwin** · 6th Feb 2012, 15:23

Im not really sure. But I guess its because lack of light. I placed it below this huge plant leaf and my light is partially covering them. Coz my other plants seemed to be ok