Plant comparison
Java Fern vs Narrow Leaf Java Fern
How the Java Fern and Narrow Leaf Java Fern compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Java Fern vs Narrow Leaf Java Fern
The Java Fern and the Narrow Leaf Java Fern are close cousins, both in the Microsorum group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 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. Read the full care notes on each below and pick the one whose look and pace fit the tank you're building.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Java Fern20–28 °C
- Narrow Leaf Java Fern20–28 °C
pH
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
- Narrow Leaf Java Fern5.5–7.8
Hardness
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
- Narrow Leaf Java Fern1–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |  PlantNarrow Leaf Java FernMicrosorum pteropus 'Narrow Leaf' |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | Polypodiaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.8 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 1–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 15–35 cm | 15–35 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Java Fern and Narrow Leaf Java Fern together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 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 Java Fern or the Narrow Leaf 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 Java Fern and Narrow Leaf Java Fern need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 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 Java Fern and the Narrow Leaf Java Fern?
Placement and light. The Java Fern works as midground or background, the Narrow Leaf Java Fern as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.