{"product_id":"crested-java-fern","title":"Crested Java Fern","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Crested Java Fern\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested Java Fern, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eWindelov Java Fern\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a distinctive and hardy aquarium fern recognised for its narrow leaves with \u003cstrong\u003efinely branched, crested tips\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its unusual foliage gives it a delicate, textured appearance that works beautifully when attached to driftwood and rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike traditional rooted plants, Crested Java Fern grows from a creeping \u003cstrong\u003erhizome\u003c\/strong\u003e and should not be buried in the substrate. The rhizome can be attached to hardscape using aquarium-safe glue, thread, or simply wedged securely between rocks or driftwood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is one of the easiest plants to maintain and performs well under low to moderate lighting. CO₂ is not required, making it an excellent option for low-tech aquariums, shrimp tanks, and beginner setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrested Java Fern grows relatively slowly, meaning it requires very little trimming once established. New leaves emerge directly from the rhizome and gradually develop their characteristic crested tips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts textured foliage creates excellent contrast against broad-leaved Anubias and smaller foreground plants, making it a fantastic choice for natural aquascapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eMicrosorum pteropus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Windelov'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crested Java Fern \/ Windelov Java Fern\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cultivated variety\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aquatic Fern \/ Rhizome Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂ Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–8.0\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midground \/ Background \/ Hardscape\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nano aquariums, shrimp tanks, community tanks, low-tech setups, and planted aquascapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Crested Java Fern require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It grows well without CO₂ and is an excellent choice for low-tech aquariums. CO₂ can encourage faster growth but isn't necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Crested Java Fern be planted in substrate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003erhizome should remain above the substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e. Only the roots should be buried or allowed to grow into the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I attach Crested Java Fern to driftwood?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Driftwood and rocks are ideal. Aquarium-safe glue, thread, or fishing line can be used to secure it until the roots attach naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Crested Java Fern suitable for shrimp tanks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. Its textured leaves provide excellent grazing surfaces for biofilm and shelter for shrimp and shrimplets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow fast does Crested Java Fern grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a slow-growing plant, so it requires very little maintenance. New growth can take several weeks to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBurying the rhizome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the most common mistake. Keep the rhizome exposed to prevent it from rotting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsing excessive lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCrested Java Fern doesn't require strong lighting. Excessive light can encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConstantly moving the plant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAllow the roots time to attach securely to the hardscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpecting rapid growth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJava Fern varieties grow slowly. Give the plant time to establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemoving healthy leaves unnecessarily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnly remove damaged or dying leaves. Healthy leaves contribute to the plant's growth and development.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856339316875,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/56bsq1NiPCVDxcMzgUrp-aazAHmBCA8uTyCyB_ATOCMyfpVcSUc_e_p30A-ApBuJbBxODv55CtlYQAIk_qQVoKmeDHZvW9QWIQPzp3zR9kXEHB-vKZklFzTD2c_QOFWxw3Or0wAMYzePCm6-CbJyPIY-OLHzN0CvRwyrh2oAHANWLgKvZlFYWuM_4ef37b0a-3b29-4af2-ab5f-78d24dcb5c58.jpg?v=1786338168","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/crested-java-fern","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}