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Trident Fern is a popular Java Fern variety recognised for its distinctive narrow, forked leaves. The leaves branch into multiple slender sections, giving the plant a natural, flowing appearance that works particularly well on aquarium wood and rocks.

Like other Java Fern varieties, Trident Fern is an undemanding rhizome plant and is well suited to both beginner and established planted aquariums. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and does not require high lighting or injected CO₂ to survive.

The rhizome should never be buried beneath the substrate, as this can cause it to rot. Instead, attach the plant to driftwood, rocks or other hardscape using aquarium-safe glue or thread. Over time, the roots will naturally secure themselves to the surface.

Trident Fern is particularly effective in natural-style aquascapes, shrimp tanks and low-tech aquariums. Older plants can also produce baby plants, known as plantlets, along their leaves.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Trident’
• Common Name: Trident Fern / Java Fern Trident
• Type: Rhizome Plant / Fern
• Family: Polypodiaceae
• Adult Size: Approximately 15–30 cm
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Care Level: Easy
• Minimum Aquarium: 20 L recommended
• Lighting: Low to Moderate
• CO₂: Optional
• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to Hard
• Position: Midground / Background
• Propagation: Plantlets / Rhizome division
• Substrate: Not required
• Root Tabs: Not required
• Freshwater: Yes
• Placement: Attach to wood or rock

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Trident Fern need to be planted in substrate?

No. It is a rhizome plant and is best attached to rocks, driftwood or other aquarium hardscape.

Can I bury the rhizome?

No. The rhizome should remain exposed. Burying it can cause the rhizome to rot and eventually kill the plant.

Does Trident Fern need CO₂?

No. It can grow successfully without CO₂, although supplementation can encourage faster growth.

What lighting does Trident Fern need?

Low to moderate lighting is generally sufficient. Excessively strong light can encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.

Is Trident Fern suitable for shrimp tanks?

Yes. Its dense foliage provides excellent cover for shrimp and young fry.

Why are small plants growing from the leaves?

These are plantlets, a natural method of reproduction for Java Fern varieties. They can eventually be separated and attached elsewhere.

Common Mistakes

• Burying the rhizome underneath the substrate.
• Exposing the plant to excessively strong lighting.
• Expecting fast growth from a slow-growing fern.
• Removing leaves too quickly when the plant is adapting.
• Allowing algae to build up on the leaves.
• Using unsuitable adhesives or materials when attaching the plant to hardscape.