Plant comparison
Java Fern vs Vallisneria Spiralis
How the Java Fern and Vallisneria Spiralis compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Java Fern vs Vallisneria Spiralis
The Java Fern and the Vallisneria Spiralis 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 6.5 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
- Vallisneria Spiralis18–28 °C
pH
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
- Vallisneria Spiralis6.5–8
Hardness
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
- Vallisneria Spiralis5–25 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |  PlantVallisneria SpiralisVallisneria spiralis |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | Hydrocharitaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 18–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.5–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 5–25 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Medium to High |
| Max height | 15–35 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | None to 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 Vallisneria Spiralis together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 28 °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 Java Fern or the Vallisneria Spiralis?
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 Vallisneria Spiralis need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 28 °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 Java Fern and the Vallisneria Spiralis?
Placement and light. The Java Fern works as midground or background, the Vallisneria Spiralis as background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.