Microsorum pteropus ‘Staghorn fern’ / Windelov fern( pot)

 Plant Overview

• Scientific name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Windelov’

• Common names: Windelov Java Fern, Staghorn Fern

• Plant type: Aquatic fern (rhizome plant)

• Growth rate: Slow to moderate

• Best for: Low-tech & beginner aquariums

 Lighting

• Low to medium light (0.3–0.5 W/L or similar LED)

• High light can cause algae on leaves

• No need for intense lighting

✅ Perfect for shade areas of planted tanks

 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Very tolerant plant

 Planting Method (Very Important!)

Never bury the rhizome
✔ Attach to:

• Driftwood

• Rocks

• Decorations

Use thread, fishing line, or plant glue. Roots will attach naturally.

 Growth Pattern

• Dark green, leathery leaves

• Leaf tips are frilly, branched (antler-like)

• Grows outward and upward

• New baby plants form on leaf tips

 Nutrition

• Absorbs nutrients from water column

• No root tabs needed

• Occasional liquid fertilizer improves growth

• CO₂ not required, but helpful

 Maintenance

• Remove old or algae-covered leaves

• Do not trim healthy rhizome

• Very low maintenance plant

 Propagation

1. Plantlets on leaves – separate once roots appear

2. Rhizome division – cut with clean scissors

 Compatibility

• Safe with:

  • Tetras

  • Guppies

  • Betta

  • Shrimp

  • Apistogramma

• Not eaten by most fish

Common Problems