Windelov fern (Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv') 1 Pot

The Windelov Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv') is a highly popular, hardy, and beginner-friendly freshwater aquarium plant. It is a patented cultivar of the classic Java Fern, originally developed by Tropica Aquarium Plants and named after its founder, Holger Windeløv.

The plant is famous for its distinctive frilly, finely branched leaf tips, which create a beautiful bushy texture in the middle or background of an aquarium.

Visual and Growth Profile

Appearance: Vibrant green leaves with uniquely split, "lacy" or "crested" tips.

Size: Typically grows about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) tall and wide.

Growth Rate: Very slow, growing sequentially along a horizontal stem called a rhizome.

Placement: Best used in the midground to background, or wedged into hardscape cracks.

Fish Safety: Exceptionally sturdy; its tough leaves are generally not eaten by herbivorous fish or snails.

How to Plant (Crucial Step)

The Windelov Fern is an epiphyte, meaning it grows attached to surfaces rather than rooted in dirt.

Do Not Bury the Rhizome: The thick, green horizontal stem (the rhizome) must sit completely above the substrate. If you bury it in gravel or soil, it will rot and the plant will die.

Attach to Hardscape: Secure the plant onto aquarium driftwood, lava rocks, or dragon stone.

Methods to Secure:

Thread: Wrap regular sewing thread or cotton thread around the roots and rock.

Fishing Line: Use thin nylon fishing line for a translucent hold.

Glue: Apply a tiny dab of cyanoacrylate-based superglue gel (like Seachem Flourish Glue) directly to the rhizome/roots and press it to the rock. It turns white underwater but will quickly be covered by new growth.

Propagation and Reproduction

Propagating this plant is effortless and can happen in two ways:

Rhizome Division: Simply cut or snap the main horizontal rhizome into smaller pieces. Ensure each new piece has at least 2–3 leaves attached.

Adventitious Plantlets: The plant naturally clones itself. You will notice tiny baby plants with miniature black roots growing directly out of the tips or undersides of old leaves. Once they grow a bit, you can gently pluck them off and tie them down elsewhere.

⚠️ Common Troubleshooting

Leaves Turning Black: Black spots on the undersides of the leaves are usually not a disease; they are often the spots where new baby plantlets are forming. However, if entire leaves turn black and translucent, it usually points to a severe nutrient deficiency (especially potassium).

Melting/Browning: If freshly introduced to a tank, the plant might drop its old leaves as it acclimates to your water chemistry. Do not throw it away, as the rhizome will usually sprout new, fully adapted leaves within a few weeks.