Caring for java fern in a home aquarium

[kokomo]

I recently set up my Betta tank with a Java Fern Pad that caught my eye.

It's been about a year since I installed it, and I've noticed it's been slowly melting away. Despite regular fertilization and experimenting with different lighting setups over the past few months, the melting persists. However, there's a silver lining - new, healthy leaves have started growing from the bottom, and they look perfect, unaffected by the melting.

I have two questions regarding this issue.

Is the melting due to the fact that the plant was initially grown emerged, and no matter what I do, these leaves will inevitably melt?

If I trim the melting leaves immediately, will it promote the growth of new submerged leaves, or will I end up with a bunch of rotting roots?

[sSjey]

When you mention a 'Java Fern Pad', could you clarify what you're referring to or maybe share a picture of it? Is the rhizome exposed or is it covered?

To avoid rot, the rhizome needs to be above the surface. I've always attached Java Fern to decorations in my tank and never experienced melting. I did have to remove the last one, though - it was taking over.

[kokomo]

No, the rhizome isn't covered - it's got a bunch of roots underneath that are grabbing onto a piece of weighed mosquito net.

[sSjey]

That sounds ideal for it.

I've always found standard Java fern to be more resilient - is yours one of the fancier varieties like Windelov or Trident, or the regular type? I've had better luck with the standard type, while the others have been okay for a couple of years, but then they seem to slowly decline.

[kokomo]

I'm no expert, but I've had my fair share of Java ferns. When I've grown them, I always make sure the rhizome is on top and not covered. I've never had a Java fern melt on me, but I've always attached them to decor. I did have to get rid of one once, it was taking over the tank.

[kokomo]

It was actually labeled as Microsorum Pteropus when I bought it.

[bettaMagenta]

I've had my fair share of Java ferns, and I've noticed a difference in how they're sold. I used to get them on cocoa mats, but now I prefer buying them bare root - it's been a game-changer for me.

My guess is that the ones you got were grown emergent, it's just more cost-effective for the sellers and they grow faster that way. As for your melting leaves, I'd probably just leave them be and trim them off as needed. But since you've got healthy young leaves coming in, you could try trimming the melting ones and letting them float on the surface - you never know, they might just surprise you with some new growth or even produce babies in another tank.

[coltin]

It's likely the old terrestrial leaves are just dying off and rotting away. I'd just leave the dead or dying leaves be, let them turn brown, then remove them. The plant will probably withdraw the nutrients from those old leaves and use them for the new growth.

[thenoob]

I'd advise against removing the old leaves, and this holds true for most aquatic plants. The plant will essentially recycle the old leaves, using the nutrients for faster growth. Plus, with Java ferns, baby ferns often grow from the old leaves - although I'm not sure if this applies to emersed leaves, it definitely happens with submersed ones. Many plant farms do sell emersed plants since they grow faster, which is one of the advantages of buying from a hobbyist.

[kokomo]

It's likely the old terrestrial leaves are just dying off and rotting away. I'd just leave the dead or dying leaves be, let them turn brown, then remove them. The plant will probably withdraw the nutrients from those old leaves and use them for the new growth.

It's what I figured. Let the old leaves go, they'll get reabsorbed or become a snack for something else.