Plant comparison
Java Fern vs Red Tiger Lotus
How the Java Fern and Red Tiger Lotus compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Java Fern vs Red Tiger Lotus
The Java Fern and the Red Tiger Lotus 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 22 to 28 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Java Fern is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Red Tiger Lotus rewards a bit more attention. 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.
Temperature
- Java Fern20–28 °C
- Red Tiger Lotus22–28 °C
pH
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
- Red Tiger Lotus5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
- Red Tiger Lotus2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |  PlantRed Tiger LotusNymphaea zenkeri |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | West Africa (Cameroon) |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | Nymphaeaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low |
| Max height | 15–35 cm | 30–50 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Fast |
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 Red Tiger Lotus together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 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 Red Tiger Lotus?
The Java Fern is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Red Tiger Lotus leans beginner-friendly.
Do Java Fern and Red Tiger Lotus need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 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 Red Tiger Lotus?
Placement and light. The Java Fern works as midground or background, the Red Tiger Lotus as midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.