Have you started your first aquarium and are a little worried about the complexity of caring for it? Or maybe you just don't have much time for aquarium science, but really want beautiful and lively greenery in the water? There is one plant that will become your faithful assistant.
This is Microsorum, or Thai fern. Imagine lush, emerald leaves with whimsical shapes on a dark, sturdy rhizome. It looks noble and natural, giving the aquarium the appearance of a real underwater forest.
The most valuable thing about this plant is its amazing unpretentiousness. It does not need bright light or a special supply of carbon dioxide. It grows slowly, which means it hardly needs to be trimmed. Just attach it to a log or rock, and it will slowly but surely grow, creating cozy corners for your fish.
In fact, this fern is the perfect choice for beginners or busy people. It will forgive some mistakes, won't require much time or attention, but will generously reward you with its beauty and calm, peaceful energy.
Distribution
The natural habitat of Microsorum pteropus is Malaysia, Thailand, northern India, and some regions of China.
In Europe and America, Thai fern is better known as Java fern.
This is also related to another place where it is found — the island of Java in Indonesia.
In nature, it attaches itself to rocks, roots, or tree trunks with its root system. Sometimes you can find a plant that has sunk into the substrate.
This fern grows like a weed, which is why there are no clear indications of its preferred conditions — water quality, amount of light, and flow — in its natural habitat. In nature, some species of ferns can be found near waterfalls, rivers, or streams in tropical forests.
Growing and care
Many varieties of Microsorum pteropus require only minimal care. There are known cases where the plant survived in water with less than ideal parameters and minimal lighting. However, there are some rules that should not be ignored.
One of the mandatory requirements for keeping Thai fern in an aquarium is the absence of organic particles suspended in the water. In order not to disturb the plant, do not catch fish or transplant plants frequently. The following also have a negative effect on plant growth:
- presence of fish that dig the ground in the aquarium;
If the leaves of the Thai fern turn brown or become transparent, they are most likely dying and need to be cut off.
- At the same time, if the surface of the leaves is covered with brown and black growths, this may not be a sign of disease. This may be how the buds that the plant uses to reproduce look. The presence or absence of optimal conditions affects the growth rate of Microsorum pteropus.
- An undemanding plant in a less than ideal environment will simply grow more slowly. All other things being equal, special lighting and additional fertilizers, as well as enriching the water with carbon dioxide, will promote faster growth of tropical aquarium plants.
Water parameters for ideal maintenance
Despite the fact that Microsorum pteropus sometimes grows in conditions of rapid water flow, it is necessary to maintain conditions in the aquarium that are more suitable for old water. It is important to observe the following parameters:
- acceptable temperature values are from 15ºC to 28ºC, the ideal value is 24ºC;
- acid-alkaline balance indicators — 5.5-7;
- water hardness in German degrees — no higher than 6.
In an aquarium with Thai fern, there is no need to change the water frequently. It is enough to replace 1/5 or 1/6 of the volume of liquid. The procedure is recommended to be carried out a couple of times a month.
Microsorum pteropus has an interesting feature. It can adapt to life in slightly salty water. For this, the salt concentration should not exceed 1.009 ppm. The plant is able to process a small amount of salt and grows normally after acclimatization.
Lighting requirements
Both moderate and strong lighting are acceptable in an aquarium with Microsorum pteropus.
Light is necessary for normal stable growth, although the plant can feel comfortable even in its prolonged absence.
Natural diffused lighting is also beneficial.
- If it is not possible to purchase a fluorescent lamp, a standard incandescent lamp will also work. The optimal length of daylight for Thai fern is about 12 hours.
- If Microsorum pteropus is in the same aquarium with other plant species, the power and other lighting characteristics are adjusted to suit the more demanding “tenants.”
- Although most aquarium plants require as much light as possible, Thai fern may react to this by developing transparent or brownish leaves.
- In this case, you will need to reduce the intensity of lighting. Then you need to gradually “accustom” the plant to intense lighting, slightly increasing the power of the lighting device or adjusting the spectral radiation parameters.
Requirements for soil, nutrient substrate
When keeping Thai fern, there are no special requirements for the condition of the soil. This plant is not fixed to the bottom. It usually grows on driftwood or stones, clinging to them with its root system.
Any substrate is acceptable in the aquarium, as the fern will be satisfied with the presence of silt at the bottom. In Microsorum pteropus, the rhizome is always above the soil.
If the root system of the plant is covered with soil, it will grow more slowly or die.
Fertilizer requirements
It is useful to add mineral fertilizers to the water for Microsorum. The most important ones are:
- fertilizers with microelements — it is enough to add minimal doses 1 to 2 times a month;
- nitrogen-containing fertilizer — it is mainly recommended to add urea two or three times a month at a rate of 1 or 2 granules per 100 liters of water.
A good mineral fertilizer should contain:
- phosphorus;
- manganese;
- iron;
- molybdenum;
It will not be superfluous to check whether the fertilizer is safe for all forms of life in the aquarium.
It is useless to use root fertilizers in tablets, since the plant does not have “true roots.” It receives its main nutrition directly from the water. CO2 fertilization will help accelerate the growth of the fern.
The Thai fern is a real find for those who want a beautiful aquarium but are not ready to spend a lot of time caring for it. It is unpretentious, grows slowly, does not require special lighting or fertilizers, and also helps keep the water clean. Just plant it in the soil or attach it to rocks, and it will grow quietly without needing constant attention. An excellent choice for beginners and busy people.
Reproduction
In an aquarium, it reproduces exclusively vegetatively. The root system of the plant is divided into parts, each of which must have at least 2-3 leaves. Each separated part is capable of forming a full-fledged plant in the future.
Thai fern can also reproduce using buds. These form at the edges of dying leaves. A new plant then emerges from the bud. When the adult leaves die, the new sprout floats to the surface of the aquarium. When it develops its own root system, the plant sinks to the bottom and attaches itself with the roots that have formed.
If you are looking for an unpretentious green inhabitant for your aquarium, Thai fern is an excellent choice. It does not require complex care, bright light, or carbon dioxide supply. This plant will grow peacefully even in the simplest conditions you can create.
Its main advantage is its ability to attach itself to driftwood and stones. You don't need special soil, which makes cleaning easier. Just secure it with fishing line or thread, and over time it will take root securely in the chosen location.
The fern grows slowly but surely. It will not take over the entire aquarium in a month, which means you won't have to constantly thin it out. Its dense leaves are usually not to the taste of fish, so it will remain intact and unharmed.
In fact, they are ideal for beginners or busy people. Plant it, trim the old leaves occasionally, and enjoy its lush greenery. Thai fern will add life and comfort to your underwater world without taking up much of your time.
