Java fern 'Narrow'
BeginnerMicrosorum pteropus 'Narrow'
A narrow-leaved form of Java fern. Its long leaves, about 1–2 cm wide, spread from the rhizome at a wider angle than the standard plant. Compact and easy to tie onto wood or stone, though differently shaped plants are sold under the same name.
About
Java fern 'Narrow' (Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow') is a narrow-leaved cultivar of the aquatic fern Microsorum pteropus (Polypodiaceae); GBIF treats the parent species as Leptochilus pteropus. The parent ranges across tropical and subtropical Asia from India to southern Japan and New Guinea, growing on rocks and wood in streams, and is highly variable; 'Narrow' is traded as a narrow-leaved selection from it. Records of who selected or introduced it are scarce. The key feature is leaf width: long lanceolate leaves only about 1–2 cm wide, spreading at a flatter angle than the broad leaves of the standard form. A Danish nursery gives leaf length as 10–20 cm, another source 20–30 cm, in a fairly light green. Note that several different narrow-leaved Java ferns circulate as 'Narrow' or 'Needle Leaf', and it is easily confused with the even finer 'Needle Leaf' or 'Taiwan' forms. Care is the same as for the species: it grows in low light without CO2, and a rhizome tied to wood or stone attaches with its roots within a few months. Herbivorous fish rarely eat it. It is widely available from specialist shops and online in Japan, often ready-mounted on wood.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Java fern 'Narrow'
The Java fern 'Narrow' grows to Leaves 10–30 cm long, 1–2 cm wide.
Temperature & humidity for the Java fern 'Narrow'
The ideal temperature for the Java fern 'Narrow' is 20〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (parent species from tropical and subtropical Asia)
Lifespan
Perennial; can be kept indefinitely by dividing the rhizome
Size
Leaves 10–30 cm long, 1–2 cm wide
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2 or fertiliser; additions speed up growth
Growing Tips
Lighting
Grows in low light; strong light encourages algae on the leaves.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2; CO2, fertiliser and water movement improve growth and reduce black spots on the leaves.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 20–28°C; grows at pH 5–8 and is not fussy about water.
Substrate & Attachment
The rhizome rots if buried. Tie it to wood or stone with fishing line until it attaches.
Trimming & Propagation
Slow-growing. Propagate by dividing the rhizome or removing plantlets that form on the leaves.
Cautions
Different narrow-leaved forms are sold as 'Narrow' or 'Needle Leaf', so check leaf width in photos. Never release plants into the wild.
Java fern 'Narrow' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Java fern 'Narrow'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Java fern 'Narrow'?
The ideal temperature for Java fern 'Narrow' is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Java fern 'Narrow' get?
The mature size of Java fern 'Narrow' is Leaves 10–30 cm long, 1–2 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Java fern 'Narrow'?
Java fern 'Narrow': watering & fertilizer — Grows without CO2 or fertiliser; additions speed up growth. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Java fern 'Narrow'?
The price of Java fern 'Narrow' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Wikipedia
- Species+ (CITES listing check)
- Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act)
- MAFF plant variety registration database
- Tropica plant profile (Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow')
- Flowgrow aquatic plant database (Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow')
- Flowgrow aquatic plant database (Microsorum pteropus)
- GBIF
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. No Microsorum variety is registered in Japan's plant variety protection database (as of September 2026). Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act) / MAFF plant variety registration database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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