Plant comparison
Java Fern vs Staurogyne Repens
How the Java Fern and Staurogyne Repens compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Java Fern vs Staurogyne Repens
The Java Fern and the Staurogyne Repens 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 28 °C and pH 6 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 Staurogyne Repens 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
- Staurogyne Repens20–28 °C
pH
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
- Staurogyne Repens6–7.5
Hardness
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
- Staurogyne Repens2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |  PlantStaurogyne RepensStaurogyne repens |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Rio Cristalino basin, Brazil |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | Acanthaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 15–35 cm | 5–10 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Optional |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow to Medium |
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 Staurogyne Repens together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 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 Staurogyne Repens?
The Java Fern is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Staurogyne Repens leans beginner-friendly.
Do Java Fern and Staurogyne Repens need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 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 Staurogyne Repens?
Placement and light. The Java Fern works as midground or background, the Staurogyne Repens as foreground or midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.