Plant comparison
Anacharis (Elodea) vs Java Fern
How the Anacharis (Elodea) and Java Fern compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Anacharis (Elodea) vs Java Fern
The Anacharis (Elodea) and the Java Fern come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Java Fern is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Anacharis (Elodea)10–26 °C
- Java Fern20–28 °C
pH
- Anacharis (Elodea)6.5–7.8
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Anacharis (Elodea)4–20 dGH
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
What to plan for
- Anacharis (Elodea) is regulatedAnacharis (Elodea) is banned or listed as invasive in several US states and parts of Australia / South Africa. Check local rules before sourcing.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantAnacharis (Elodea)Egeria densa |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | South America, naturalised globally | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Hydrocharitaceae | Polypodiaceae |
| Temperature | 10–26 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 4–20 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to High |
| Max height | 30–100 cm | 15–35 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | None to Optional |
| Growth rate | Very Fast | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Anacharis (Elodea) and Java Fern together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Anacharis (Elodea) or the Java Fern?
They sit at the same care level, both very easy, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Anacharis (Elodea) and Java Fern need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Anacharis (Elodea) and the Java Fern?
Placement and light. The Anacharis (Elodea) works as midground or background, the Java Fern as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.