Microsorum pteropus ‘Windeløv’ is commonly known as the Windeløv Java Fern, is a popular and distinctive cultivar of the classic Java Fern. Patented by Tropica Aquarium Plants and named after its founder Holger Windeløv, it is easily recognized by its uniquely finely branched, lacy leaf tips that give it a dense, bushy appearance.

Quick Care Overview:

• Difficulty: Extremely easy and hardy, ideal for beginners.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate.
• Height & Width: Reaches roughly 15 to 20 cm.
• Placement: Midground to background focal points.
• Lighting: Low to medium light requirements.
• CO2: Helpful but entirely optional.
• Water Parameters: Temperature of 20–28°C and pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.

Planting and Maintenance Instructions:

• Do Not Bury the Rhizome: Avoid planting the horizontal thick green stem (rhizome) into substrate or soil. Covering the rhizome cuts off vital water circulation and causes the plant to rot and die.
• Attach to Hardscape: Secure the plant onto aquarium wood, lava stones, or slate. You can easily attach it using clear fishing line, cotton thread, or a few drops of cyanoacrylate-based superglue.
• Fertilisation: Since it feeds from the water, it thrives with routine dosings of premium liquid fertilisers.
• Herbivore Resistant: The tough, bitter leaves are generally safe from herbivorous fish like goldfish or large cichlids, which will avoid eating it.

Propagation:

This fern reproduces by growing miniature adventitious plantlets directly on the tips and undersides of its old leaves. Once these plantlets form their own small root structures, you can gently pluck them off and attach them elsewhere in your aquarium. Alternatively, you can divide a mature plant by cleanly cutting the main rhizome into sections with sharp scissors, ensuring each new piece has a few healthy leaves attached.