🌿 Microsorum pteropus ‘Latifolius’ – Broad and Flat-Leaf Java Fern Variant

Microsorum pteropus ‘Latifolius’, commonly known as Java Fern Latifolius, is a robust and uncommon variety of Java Fern characterized by its extra-wide, flat leaves that create a bold and leafy aesthetic in freshwater aquariums. The name Latifolius translates to “broad-leaved,” and this plant lives up to that with expansive green blades that offer dramatic foliage and a strong visual anchor in the aquascape.

At Aquarium Plants Factory, we cultivate this variety in emersed conditions, ensuring the plant establishes a healthy rhizome and leaf structure before transitioning to submerged aquarium life. Once adapted, Latifolius delivers a full, upright form that’s ideal for midground to background placement, providing depth, coverage, and shelter for small fish and shrimp.

Like all Java Ferns, Latifolius is a rhizome plant and must be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other aquarium decor rather than planted directly into substrate. Its slow growth rate, low light tolerance, and no need for CO₂ supplementation make it a perfect choice for beginners and low-tech planted tanks.

🌟 Key Features:

• Broad, Flat Leaves: Extra-wide foliage creates a lush, bold look in any aquarium

• Attachable Rhizome: Best mounted on hardscape—do not bury in substrate

• Hardy & Easy to Care For: Thrives in low to medium light without CO₂

• Emersed Grown: Farm-raised in emersed conditions for healthy transition to aquariums

• Versatile Use: Great for midground to background placement in aquascapes

🔎 Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Latifolius’

• Synonyms: Leptochilus pteropus ‘Latifolius’

• Common Names: Java Fern Latifolius

• Plant Type: Rhizome plant

• Placement: Attach to driftwood, stone, or hardscape

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Lighting: Low to Medium

• Origin: Southeast Asia

💡 Optimal Growing Conditions:

• Lighting: Low to medium light helps maintain leaf width and lush color

• CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ is not required; occasional liquid fertilizer may support growth

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🌱 Growth & Propagation:

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Nutrient Substrate: Not required

• Can Grow Emersed: Yes

• Propagation Method: Rhizome division

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:

• Bare-root Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, loose rhizome

• Bunched Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight

• Potted Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown.

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Never release Java Fern Latifolius—or any aquarium plant—into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings and unwanted portions responsibly to protect local ecosystems.