Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' – The slender, easy-to-fix fern
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' , also known as the narrow-leaved Java fern, is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and aquascaping enthusiasts alike . It grows naturally attached to an aquarium root or rock , without the need for substrate, making it very easy to install. Its thin, elongated leaves offer a fluid and elegant movement in the water . It is not demanding: moderate light, no need for CO2, and a good ability to adapt to different parameters. In addition to being decorative, it also offers perfect hiding places for fish and shrimp . It is a plant that grows slowly but surely.
Thin, slender leaves for an elegant, natural touch
Easily attaches to roots or stones without substrate
An Asian plant with a graphic look and easy growth
Native to Southeast Asia, Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' is a very popular cultivar thanks to its thin leaves and more horizontal habit than its classic cousin. It grows slowly, but remains very resistant and undemanding , which makes it an ideal candidate for dressing the background or the middle ground of an aquarium without effort. With its elongated leaves of 10 to 20 cm, it brings movement and lightness to the decor.
An epiphytic plant par excellence, it is simply attached to a support – a root, a stone or even a decoration – with a nylon thread or special glue. No need to bury it in a substrate, its rhizome must not be buried under the risk of rotting. Once attached, it settles quietly and develops its typical dark green foliage, sometimes adorned with small black sporangia, completely normal and harmless.
Easy maintenance for a robust and versatile plant
Microsorum 'Narrow' grows well in a wide range of parameters. It thrives between 10 and 28°C, with a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a hardness ranging from 2 to 20 GH. This means that it adapts to almost any tank. Medium lighting is more than sufficient, although brighter light will encourage denser growth. It tolerates very little disturbed environments, and thrives in a low-flow filter .
Adding nutrients or a CO2 system isn't essential, but it can boost its growth a bit. Its robust nature allows it to be introduced into both new and established tanks. It tolerates even beginner mistakes, making it perfect for those who want a simple, aesthetically pleasing plant without the hassle.
Easy multiplication and successful natural decoration
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' propagates itself vegetatively: small shoots often appear at the tips or on the leaves . Just wait until they have some roots to detach them and attach them elsewhere. Alternatively, the rhizome can also be divided, provided each tip has a few leaves. This easy propagation makes it a durable and scalable plant in a container.
It is widely used in aquascaping for its natural look, particularly in forest or Asian river-style settings. Combined with moss or other anchored plants, it helps create shaded areas, hiding places, and much-appreciated depth effects . It pairs wonderfully with calm and discreet species. However, overly scavenging fish or voracious snails can damage it.
One last tip: when setting up, remove the plant from its pot, carefully remove the rock wool, separate the stems, and attach them directly to their support. Nothing could be simpler for a stunning result and a healthy aquarium.
How to plant Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' in video?
Phyllanthus fluitans - A floating plant with red highlights
Phyllanthus fluitans , also known as Red Root Floater , is a floating plant native to South America. It is particularly popular for its heart-shaped leaves , which take on a reddish hue under intense lighting . Easy to maintain, it grows quickly and creates a spectacular surface effect while providing ideal shade for fish such as bettas. Its red roots and white flowers add a natural and original touch to any aquarium.
Unique decorative effect: Red foliage under strong light.
Fish Hideouts: Provides shelter for bettas and shrimp.
Staurogyne repens – The compact green carpet for the foreground
Staurogyne repens is the perfect plant to dress the foreground of an aquarium with a natural and neat look. Native to Brazil, this compact green plant settles easily and quickly forms a low, dense and bushy carpet . It grows slowly, which limits maintenance, and adapts to different types of tanks. Although it benefits from a good Co2 system and intense lighting, it can quite flourish in a low tech aquarium. It is a robust plant, which resists well to changes, ideal for giving volume and depth to your aquatic compositions, especially in a natural or Iwagumi type style.
Ideal for creating a dense carpet in the foreground of the aquarium
Compact plant, easy to prune and shape as desired
Suitable for small aquariums and well-lit nano tanks
Bacopa caroliniana – An easy, hardy and very decorative plant
Bacopa caroliniana in a mini pot is a superb stem plant, native to North America, ideal for creating dense clumps in the background or middle ground . It seduces with its fleshy, oval, pretty light green leaves and its ability to form harmonious bushes in all types of aquariums. Sold in a coconut fiber pot, it is ready to plant, without preparation : just bury it where you want. With its slow growth and great adaptability, it is a perfect plant for beginners. It requires little care, moderate to strong lighting , a little patience... and it will thank you with its soothing presence and elegant foliage.
Fleshy, light green foliage, ideal for creating contrast
Mini fiber pot: no rock wool, ready to plant
Perfect for beginners, low maintenance, slow growing
Rotala rotundifolia – Intense red color and fast growth
The Rotala rotundifolia in a mini pot is the perfect plant for those who want to bring color and dynamism to the bottom of their aquarium . Very popular in planted tanks, it develops green, yellow or red foliage depending on the light intensity . With strong lighting , its stems take on magnificent pink to orange-red tones. Sold in a mini coconut fiber pot, it is ready to plant , without preparation or separation of stems. It is a plant with a stem that is quick and easy to cut , ideal for creating a bushy effect. It adapts very well even without a Co2 system , and is easily pruned to maintain a nice density.
Foliage colored from green to red depending on the light
JBLCristalProfi e1502 greenline external filter for aquariums from 200 to 700 liters . This extremely quiet filter has a maximum flow rate of 1400 l/h for a consumption of only 20 Watts.
SEACHEM Pristine is a 100% natural product composed of a unique blend of specific bacteria that improve water quality in freshwater and saltwater aquariums. These bacteria have been selected for their robustness and their ability to survive. adapt to all aquatic environments.
Loire sand from Scalare is a beige-coloured sand for freshwater use . The grains measure between 0.2 to 0.5 mm. A 10 kg bag can accommodate an aquarium up to 80 liters.
Micranthemum Monte Carlo - The ideal plant for a lush carpet
Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo' is a ground cover aquarium plant that forms a dense, lush carpet in the foreground of the tank. Native to South America, it is distinguished by its light green, rounded, and very compact foliage , perfect for creating a natural plant substrate. Easy to maintain, it thrives with good lighting and a moderate CO2 system . This versatile plant can be grown in a "dry start" to encourage its rooting before immersion. Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, it enhances any type of aquarium by adding a natural and harmonious touch.
Creates a dense plant carpet for a spectacular aquascaping effect.
Easy to care for with regular pruning to prevent suffocation.
Compatible with various conditions , even under moderate lighting.
Dreaming of a lush, natural plant carpet for your aquarium? Eleocharis acicularis is the plant for you! Easy to grow, it grows quickly and adapts to a wide range of conditions. Ideal for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike, this grassy plant forms a dense, attractive carpet. It guarantees a natural look while improving water quality. Grown in vitro, it is guaranteed to be pest-free, algae-free, and free from chemical fertilizers.
Easy to grow : ideal for creating a natural plant carpet.
Parasite-free : from in vitro culture, guaranteed to be free of algae and snails.
Adaptable : suitable for both nano-aquariums and large volumes.
Micranthemum Monte Carlo - The ideal plant for a lush carpet
Micranthemum tweediei 'Monte Carlo' is a ground cover aquarium plant that forms a dense, lush carpet in the foreground of the tank. Native to South America, it is distinguished by its light green, rounded, and very compact foliage , perfect for creating a natural plant substrate. Easy to maintain, it thrives with good lighting and a moderate CO2 system . This versatile plant can be grown in a "dry start" to encourage its rooting before immersion. Suitable for beginners and experienced aquarists alike, it enhances any type of aquarium by adding a natural and harmonious touch.
Creates a dense plant carpet for a spectacular aquascaping effect.
Easy to care for with regular pruning to prevent suffocation.
Compatible with various conditions , even under moderate lighting.
Staurogyne repens - A compact and robust aquarium plant
Staurogyne repens is a compact and resilient aquatic plant, ideal for the foreground of your aquarium. Native to the Rio Cristalino in Brazil, this plant forms a dense, low bush thanks to its small, bright green leaves. It grows slowly and adapts easily to different aquatic environments. Its maintenance is simple: with medium light and a moderate supply of CO2, it flourishes effortlessly. Perfect for aquascaping , it creates a superb plant carpet that will enhance your natural decor. Grown in vitro, it guarantees a healthy and pest-free introduction to your aquarium.
Phyllanthus fluitans - A floating plant with red highlights
Phyllanthus fluitans , also known as Red Root Floater , is a floating plant native to South America. It is particularly popular for its heart-shaped leaves , which take on a reddish hue under intense lighting . Easy to maintain, it grows quickly and creates a spectacular surface effect while providing ideal shade for fish such as bettas. Its red roots and white flowers add a natural and original touch to any aquarium.
Unique decorative effect: Red foliage under strong light.
Fish Hideouts: Provides shelter for bettas and shrimp.
Riccia fluitans - A versatile floating moss for aquariums
Riccia fluitans , also known as the water lily , is a highly versatile aquatic moss. Popularized by aquascaping master Takashi Amano , it can be used floating or attached to roots and rocks to create beautiful underwater landscapes. Easy to maintain, it forms oxygen bubbles when healthy and provides an excellent refuge for fish and shrimp. Whether you are an aquascaper or a beginner, this plant will enhance your aquarium.
Floating or fixed plant: Ideal for aquascaping and natural aquariums.
Rich in oxygen: Forms bubbles which indicate the good health of the tank.
Fry hiding places: Ideal protection for young fish and shrimp.
Sagittaria subulata – A versatile and easy aquarium plant
Sagittaria subulata is a robust and easy-to-grow aquatic plant, perfect for planted aquariums. Adaptable and undemanding, it forms attractive green carpets in the foreground and can sometimes surprise visitors by developing taller stems with small white flowers. Thanks to its rapid growth, it adds structure to the aquarium and provides natural hiding places for fish and shrimp.
Ideal foreground plant: Forms a dense, natural carpet.
Undemanding: Tolerates different water types and lighting conditions.
Rapid propagation: Multiplies by stolons to cover the ground.
Hygrophila pinnatifida - A colorful and easy aquarium plant
Hygrophila pinnatifida is a unique aquatic plant distinguished by its copper, green, and burgundy foliage. Perfect for decorating the background of an aquarium, it clings naturally to roots and rocks, creating a natural and lush setting. With moderate growth , it remains compact if regularly pruned and provided with good lighting . It is ideal for aquarists of all levels, from beginners to experts wishing to perfect an elegant and refined aquatic landscape.
Eriocaulon cinereum – An original and elegant plant for your aquarium
Eriocaulon cinereum is a rare and fascinating aquatic plant, ideal for enhancing an aquarium. With its foliage in the form of fine green tips , it resembles a small miniature palm tree. Produced through in vitro culture, it is free of algae and parasites, guaranteeing a healthy introduction into your tank. Very popular in aquascaping, it is distinguished by its ability to flower under good conditions, offering a unique spectacle. To flourish, it requires intense lighting , a good supply of CO2 system and a soil rich in nutrients . Easy to integrate, it brings a touch of originality and naturalness to your aquatic decor.
Rare and aesthetic plant : Cushion-shaped foliage and unique flowering
Ideal for aquascaping : Perfect in the foreground or background
Easy to acclimatize : From in vitro culture, without parasites or algae
