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How to Grow a Lava Rock Fern

A lava rock fern, also referred to as Microsorum pteropus or java fern, is an aquatic plant from Southeastern Asia. It is an easy plant to grow, which makes it popular for freshwater aquariums. Java ferns can thrive in almost any aquarium because of their ability to grow in low to moderate light and in a range of water temperatures. The plant propagates with spores and with little to no care, you can have new java fern plants. Most fish do not like to eat lava rock ferns and the plant can grow in aquariums where fish destroy other aquatic plants.

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a healthy-looking lava rock fern from an aquarium supply store or by mail order. They grow long, green leaves that can look slightly rippled. The plant may grow to 10 inches to 12 inches tall and 3 inches to 4 inches wide.
- 2
  Decide where you would like your lava rock fern to grow in your aquarium. The lava rock fern grows easily on objects, such as a rock, a piece of driftwood, PVC pipes or equipment in your aquarium. Do not bury the roots on a lava rock plant. Anchor the plant to the piece with fishing line until the roots can secure the plant.
- 3
  Grow a lava rock in warm or cool water. The plant will grow in either temperature. The plant also grows in water that is filtered or unfiltered.
- 4
  Provide light for the plant. The lava rock fern can survive in dim lights or shaded areas, but the plant will not grow. If the light is too bright, the green leaves may change to a yellow or brown color. The plant grows faster with light.
- 5
  Prune leaves that grow too big for the space. Brown or black areas may develop on the green leaves because of a lack of nitrogen in the water. Trim leaves that have too much algae growing. Avoid cutting the root system, when possible.
- 6
  Watch for the plant to reproduce. New plants will grow from spores on the edge of the leaves. The new plant will grow from the site and cling to the parent plant until grown. After the new plant is ready, it separates its roots from the parent plant and floats around in the tank until it settles in a new spot for the roots to stick. If you want, you can remove the baby plant from the parent plant and move it to a new location in the tank.

Nature