Aquarium Fern Plant Drifts with the Waves

Ever craved a lush, green oasis in your aquarium but worried about demanding plants? Ferns might be the perfect answer! This blog post is all about underwater charmers, addressing common concerns of how to plant ferns, like specific growth environments and pH requirements for types of fern plants. We’ll explore different fern types, helping you identify the ideal ones for your setup. From dazzling colors to diverse shapes, get ready to discover the perfect fern plant fit for your aquatic paradise.

• Content Table

• Ferns plants
• Types of fern plants
• The most 10 popular ferns for aquariums
• How to plant ferns in aquariums
• In summary

We’ll also discuss the top 10 popular fern plants for aquariums, detailing their characteristics and providing a roadmap for planting and propagation. So, buckle up, and let’s transform your aquarium into a thriving underwater jungle!

Ferns Plants

Ferns are commonly known as spore-producing non-flowering plants, containing neither seeds nor flowers. They are a group of plants of the most ancient species that date back to the Permian Period, beginning about 370 million years ago. Ferns exhibit an impressive diversity in shape and size and may be encountered in land or water habitats.

Common Fern Plants

Ferns are represented by at least 10,500 different species, but the numbers can vary widely depending on the estimate. Here are some of the most common fern families:

• Polypodiaceae: They are the largest group of ferns, representing more than 2,500 different species. The two common species of this family are probably the Boston Fern and the Maidenhair Fern.
• Blechnaceae: This group constitutes approximately 200 species of ferns, most of which inhabit the warm regions. The Sword Fern genus of the fern family is famous among plant lovers.
• Aspleniaceae: These families count nearly 700 fern species and they are distributed worldwide, living in many ways of our nature. The Bird’s Nest Fern is an example of a fern family.

Growth Environment and Habitat

Ferns are usually found in moist places where the light is not too strong. They prefer loose or sandy soil conditions, not dry soil. As for some fern species, they may like to grow in full sunlight so long as the soil is wet enough. The best soil pH for ferns may differ depending on the species but these targets range within an acidic area of 5.5 to 6.5.

Here are some examples of ferns that prefer specific pH values:

• Acid-loving ferns (pH 5.0-6.0): Maidenhair Fern, Foxtail Fern
• Neutral ferns (pH 6.0-7.0): Boston Fern, Leather Fern
• Calciphilic ferns (preferring alkaline soil, pH 7.0-8.0): Maidenhair Fern, Limestone Fern

Types of Fern Plants

Here are some of the most common and popular types of fern plants.

1. Maidenhair fern (Adiantum spp.)

Delicate feathery green fronds add fine texture to the landscape. Deciduous perennial. Can be naturalized as a ground cover or in rock walls where moisture is present. Plant in a shady woodland border, rain garden, or container. May also be grown as a houseplant.

2. Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

Produces vibrant green triangular fronds with green, red, or purple stems. Hardy deciduous perennial. Low maintenance and free of pests and diseases. Naturalize in a woodland border, or along a stream or pond

3. Sword fern (Polystichum munitum)

Robust evergreen fern, native to western North America. Glossy, lance-shaped fronds, reminiscent of swords with toothed edges, form a striking and stately mound. Versatile fern is perfect for woodland gardens, as a specimen or in groups. Durable foliage is popular in floral arrangements.

4. Ostrich fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris)

Deciduous fern gets its name because their long, textured, arching fronds resemble the feathery plumes of an ostrich. Low maintenance, disease-free, and happy in most soils. Perfect for growing in wet gardens and areas prone to erosion. Best suited to cool summer climates.

5. Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)

Grows in clumps with upright fronds. Fronds are a stunning cinnamon color in the spring and mature to a green color in summer. Prefers moist soil with plenty of organic matter.

The Most 10 Popular Ferns for Aquariums

Here are the top 10 popular fern plants for aquariums, each with a detailed description of its characteristics.

1. Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus)

Color	Light to deep green
Classification	Rhizome plant (doesn’t require substrate)
Phyllotaxy	Alternate
Leaf Shape	Long, pointed leaves with wavy edges and prominent central veins
Lighting Requirements	Low to moderate light
Growth Rate	Slow
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (asexual reproduction through runners)
Landscaping Area	Midground or background
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing baby ferns (plantlets) that grow on the mother plant.

2. Anubias Barteri

Color	Deep green, sometimes with brownish tinges
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Spiral
Leaf Shape	Elliptical to lanceolate, with smooth or slightly wavy edges
Lighting Requirements	Low to very low light
Growth Rate	Slow
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (asexual reproduction through rhizome buds)
Landscaping Area	Midground or background
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to very hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing plantlets that sprout from the rhizome.

3. Water Sprite (Ceratopteris Thalictroides)

Color	Light to medium green
Classification	Free-floating or rooted plant
Phyllotaxy	Alternate
Leaf Shape	Delicate, feathery leaves with a segmented appearance
Lighting Requirements	Moderate to high light
Growth Rate	Fast
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (asexual reproduction through plantlets)
Landscaping Area	Background or surface
Suitable Temperature	68-82°F (20-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	It can be planted on a substrate or allowed to float freely at the water’s surface.
Propagation Method	Removal of plantlets that bud from the base of the mother plant.

4. Bolbitis Heuskelli

Color	Deep green
Classification	Rhizome plant (doesn’t require substrate)
Phyllotaxy	Clustered
Leaf Shape	Narrow, strap-like leaves with wavy edges
Lighting Requirements	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Slow to moderate
Breeding Difficulty	Moderate (requires spores for sexual reproduction)
Landscaping Area	Midground or background
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing plantlets that sprout from the rhizome.

5. Microsorum Narrow Leaf (Microsorum Pteropus ‘Narrow Leaf’)

Color	Light to medium green
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Alternate
Leaf Shape	Narrow, elongated leaves with smooth or slightly wavy edges
Lighting Requirements	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (asexual reproduction through runners)
Landscaping Area	Midground or background
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing baby ferns (plantlets) that grow on the mother plant.

6. Bucephalandra Sp. (‘Buce’)

Color	Green, with some varieties boasting shades of brown, red, or purple
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Spiral
Leaf Shape	Very diverse, ranging from narrow and lanceolate to round and elliptical. Some varieties have wavy or ruffled edges.
Lighting Requirements	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Breeding Difficulty	Moderate (requires spores for sexual reproduction)
Landscaping Area	Foreground or midground
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing plantlets that sprout from the rhizome.

7. Windelov Fern (Microsorum Pteropus ‘Windelov’)

Color	Light to medium green
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Alternate
Leaf Shape	Unique, with deeply lobed and forked leaves that resemble lace
Lighting Requirements	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (asexual reproduction through runners)
Landscaping Area	Midground or background
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing baby ferns (plantlets) that grow on the mother plant.

8. Thai Fern (Microsorum Pteropus ‘Thai’)

Color	Deep green, sometimes with a reddish tinge on the undersides of leaves
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Short and broad leaves with wavy or ruffled edges
Leaf Shape	Four-lobed leaves resembling clover
Lighting Requirements	Low to moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (asexual reproduction through runners)
Landscaping Area	Midground or foreground
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Attach to driftwood or rocks using cotton thread or gel super glue. Don’t bury the rhizome.
Propagation Method	Division of the rhizome or removing baby ferns (plantlets) that grow on the mother plant.

9. Indian Water Fern (Hygrophila Pinnatifida)

Color	Light to medium green
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Opposite
Leaf Shape	Feathery leaves with deeply divided leaflets
Lighting Requirements	Moderate to high
Growth Rate	Moderate
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (propagation through stem cuttings)
Landscaping Area	Background or midground
Suitable Temperature	72-82°F (22-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Rooted in the substrate
Propagation Method	Stem cuttings. Pinch off the top portion of the stem and replant it in the substrate.

10. Water Clover (Marsilea Quadrifolia)

Color	Light to medium green
Classification	Rhizome plant
Phyllotaxy	Not applicable (four-lobed leaves)
Leaf Shape	Four-lobed leaves resembling clover
Lighting Requirements	Moderate to high
Growth Rate	Moderate
Breeding Difficulty	Easy (reproduces through spores)
Landscaping Area	Foreground or midground
Suitable Temperature	68-82°F (20-28°C)
pH Range	6.0-8.0
Hardness Range	Soft to moderately hard
Planting Method	Rooted in the substrate
Propagation Method	Spores or division of the rhizome. Spore propagation is more challenging for beginners.

How to Plant Ferns in Aquariums

Attaching the Ferns

You can use a variety of methods to attach the ferns in aquariums:

• Driftwood or Rocks: Ferns take up nutrients through their rhizomes. The most popular method of their attachment is to tie them to deadwood or stone.
• Super Glue Gel: Wipe a little glue all over the driftwood/rock and then attach the fern’s rhizome to it. Hold it for 30 seconds and let it air dry for several minutes before you put it back inside the tank
• Cotton Thread: The rhizome must be carefully tied to the driftwood or rock with cotton thread. The string will soon decompose once the fern has hooked itself.
• Wedging: Some ferns are smaller and can be tucked among crevices in driftwood or rocks.

Planting Tips

• Don’t Bury the Rhizome: The rhizome should be provided with support to keep it above the soil surface, not underneath it. Especially when they are buried, they result in a lack of absorption by plants, thus rotting.
• Placement: Ferns enjoy average to light flow. Put them in spots with water circulation so they can swim against the flow of water, but not directly under it.
• Lighting: Ferns can grow well even without very bright light. A relatively dim light condition appears to be optimal. A 5000K bulb is the preferred choice.

In Summary

This article is about using ferns as an ornamental for a beautiful underwater world in your aquarium. Ferns are low maintenance and it is possible to choose from a wide range of species. The article examines the different types of ferns, their traits, and how to plant them. It also has information on how to do lighting and water movement so that you can have your fern-filled aquarium.