Microsorum pteropus 'Philippine Mini'

Microsorum pteropus

Foreground, MidgroundEpiphyte

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Planting & care

  • PlacementForeground, Midground
  • Growth typeEpiphyte
  • LightLow
  • CO2None
  • Height2–3.9" (5–10 cm)

About this plant

Philippine Mini is a compact Java fern culture form with finer, narrow foliage than standard Philippine. The useful distinction is its smaller adult habit, not a temporarily small rhizome portion. Use it on foreground or lower midground hardscape where a full-size Java fern would obscure the layout. Establish a few well-rooted divisions before repeated propagation. Nursery-grown fronds can be replaced by submerged leaves; a firm living rhizome is a better indicator of survival than the persistence of every original frond. Fasten the horizontal rhizome to wood or rock, keeping the growing stem above the substrate. Supply balanced nutrients and moderate circulation without allowing debris to build up between fronds. Remove deteriorating fronds individually. Divide established rhizomes or detach rooted plantlets when they have developed sufficiently. Nursery fronds may change after submersion. Dark reproductive structures on a mature frond are not automatically disease. Care ranges, where supplied, describe reported cultivation conditions rather than measured lethal limits. Width and nutrient concentrations are left unspecified where no defensible form-specific values are available.

At a glance

Difficulty
Beginner
Light
Low
CO₂
None
Temperature
68–82°F (20–27.8°C)
Placement
Foreground, Midground
Growth type
Epiphyte
Aquarium suitability
Suitable for aquariums Suitable for long-term aquarium use.
Approx. height
2–3.9" (5–10 cm)

Water conditions

Plant reference ranges, not dosing instructions or measurements from your aquarium. Consider livestock needs and measured conditions.

Temperature
68–82°F (20–27.8°C)
pH
6–7.5

Growth & placement

Growth rate
Slow
Propagation
rhizome division
Color
Green

Grow it successfully

What you’ll need to grow Microsorum pteropus 'Philippine Mini'

Start with this plant’s documented care needs, then use an AquariumLesson calculator to size the setup for your aquarium.

Taxonomy

Major group
Fern or fern ally
Family
Polypodiaceae
Genus
Microsorum
Botanical name
Microsorum pteropus

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