🌿 Microsorum pteropus ‘Flame’ – Java Fern with Soft, Wavy Flame-Like Leaves

Microsorum pteropus ‘Flame’, commonly referred to as Java Fern Flaming, is a striking and rare cultivar of Java Fern known for its narrow, compact leaves that appear soft, ruffled, and gently wavy. The plant’s dramatic, flame-inspired shape gives the illusion of a burning fire, creating a sense of movement and warmth in any aquascape.

At Aquarium Plants Factory, this variety is grown in its emersed form, which transitions smoothly to submerged conditions. Its dense, flowing leaf structure makes it an ideal choice for midground or background placement, where it can complement wood, rock, and other hardscape elements without overpowering your layout.

As a rhizome plant, Java Fern Flame must be attached to driftwood, stone, or aquarium décor, rather than planted in substrate. It’s incredibly hardy, requires no CO₂, and thrives in low- to medium-light environments, making it perfect for beginner-friendly and low-tech aquariums.

🌟 Key Features:

• Flame-Inspired Appearance: Narrow, wavy, and ruffled leaves resemble a flickering fire

• Attachable Rhizome: Ideal for mounting on hardscape—no need for substrate

• Low Maintenance: Grows slowly and requires no CO₂ supplementation

• Emersed to Submerged Transition: Grown emersed in our nursery, ready for aquarium use

• Excellent for All Skill Levels: Great for both beginners and advanced aquascapers

🔎 Botanical Information:

• Scientific Name: Microsorum pteropus ‘Flame’

• Synonyms: Leptochilus pteropus ‘Flame’

• Common Names: Java Fern Flame, Java Flaming

• Plant Type: Rhizome plant

• Placement: Attach to driftwood, stone, or hardscape

• Growth Rate: Slow

• Lighting: Low to Medium

• Origin: Southeast Asia

💡 Optimal Growing Conditions:

• Lighting: Best under low to medium lighting for healthy, compact growth

• CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ not required; occasional liquid fertilization is beneficial

• Water Parameters:

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🌱 Growth & Propagation:

• CO₂ Requirement: Not required

• Nutrient Substrate: Not required

• Can Grow Emersed: Yes

• Propagation Method: Rhizome division

📦 What You’ll Receive:

Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:

• Bare-root Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, loose rhizome

• Bunched Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight

• Potted Plants: Approximately 6+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot

⚠️ Disclaimer:

Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown.

🚫 State Restrictions Notice ♻️ Be a Responsible Aquatic Plants Owner

Never release Java Fern Flame—or any aquarium plant—into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings and unwanted portions responsibly to protect local ecosystems.