Source: Wikimedia Commons
Java fern 'Windeløv'
BeginnerMicrosorum pteropus 'Windeløv'
A Java fern cultivar whose leaf tips fork repeatedly into fine tufts. Named after the founder of a Danish aquatic plant nursery, it entered the trade in 1994 and forms bushy clumps about 10–20 cm tall.
About
Java fern 'Windeløv' (Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv') is a cultivar of the aquatic fern Microsorum pteropus (Polypodiaceae); GBIF treats the parent as Leptochilus pteropus. It is named after Holger Windeløv, founder of a Danish aquatic plant nursery, and first reached the trade in 1994. Abroad it is handled as a protected (patented) variety, but it is not registered under Japan's plant variety system. The leaf tips are the giveaway: they fork repeatedly into tufts of fine segments, giving a dense, bushy plant – the 'crested' leaf form known in fern horticulture. The similar 'Thor's Hammer' has coarser, broader segments. It is smaller than the species, reaching about 15–20 cm tall and wide. Plants whose tips do not branch may be another cultivar, so check the leaf tips when buying. Care is the same as the species: it grows in low light without CO2, attached to wood or stone by its rhizome; if planted in the substrate, do not bury the rhizome. Herbivorous fish leave it alone, and it suits beginners. It is a staple at specialist shops and online in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Java fern 'Windeløv'
The Java fern 'Windeløv' grows to 10–20 cm tall and wide.
Temperature & humidity for the Java fern 'Windeløv'
The ideal temperature for the Java fern 'Windeløv' 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
10–20 cm tall and wide
Temperature
20〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2 or fertiliser; additions speed up growth
Growing Tips
Lighting
Grows in low light; strong light invites algae, so a shaded position is best.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Grows without CO2; CO2 and fertiliser speed up growth.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 20–28°C; grows at pH 5–8 and is not fussy about water.
Substrate & Attachment
Tie the rhizome to wood or stone. If planting in the substrate, keep the rhizome uncovered.
Trimming & Propagation
Slow-growing. Propagate by dividing the rhizome or removing leaf plantlets.
Cautions
Confirm the cultivar by its finely divided tips; coarser-lobed cultivars are easily confused with it. Never release plants into the wild.
Java fern 'Windeløv' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Java fern 'Windeløv'?
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 'Windeløv'?
The ideal temperature for Java fern 'Windeløv' is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Java fern 'Windeløv' get?
The mature size of Java fern 'Windeløv' is 10–20 cm tall and wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Java fern 'Windeløv'?
Java fern 'Windeløv': 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 'Windeløv'?
The price of Java fern 'Windeløv' 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
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. It is handled as a protected variety abroad, but 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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