The Windelov Fern (Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov') is a cultivar of Java Fern distinguished by its deeply forked, finely divided frond tips — each leaf terminates in a delicate, lace-like branching pattern that gives the plant a layered, feathery quality entirely absent from standard Java Fern. It is one of the most texturally interesting low-light plants in the hobby, and one of the few that delivers genuine visual complexity without requiring CO₂, high light, or substrate planting. Like all Microsorum pteropus, it grows from a rhizome that attaches progressively to driftwood and rock, feeds through its leaves from the water column, and thrives across a wide range of water parameters. The fine frond tips accumulate biofilm densely and are grazed continuously by shrimp and snails, making it as functional as it is decorative. Fully safe with all Neocaridina, Caridina, and fry.
Not Required
CO₂
68–82°F
Temperature
Low–Med
Lighting
What to Expect
Growth & Behavior Over Time
Deeply forked frond tips with a lace-like, branching form — each leaf is broad and strap-like at the base in the manner of standard Java Fern, but the terminal end divides repeatedly into fine, closely branched tips that create a delicate, almost feathery fringe. The contrast between the broad midleaf and the finely divided tip is what gives the Windelov its distinctive layered silhouette and sets it apart clearly from any other low-light plant in the hobby.
Slow but steady growth on a spreading rhizome — the Windelov grows at a pace typical of Java Fern variants — deliberately, adding fronds over weeks rather than days, and expanding the rhizome laterally across attached hardscape over time. A single plant develops into a substantial, multi-frond specimen over several months and continues growing indefinitely without intervention.
Rhizome must remain above the substrate — the horizontal rhizome connecting roots and fronds must never be buried. Burying it even partially causes rot at the growing point that can spread through the plant. Attach to hardscape or rest on the substrate surface with the rhizome fully exposed.
Propagates naturally via adventitious plantlets — mature fronds occasionally develop small plantlets along their surface or edges. These can be left to develop on the parent frond until they show several leaves and visible roots, then detached and attached to a new piece of hardscape to establish independently.
Fine frond tips are exceptional biofilm surfaces — the finely branched frond tips provide a dramatically higher surface area than broad, flat leaves, accumulating biofilm densely across every fine division. Shrimp and snails work through the frond tips methodically, and the fine structure is particularly attractive to shrimplets and juveniles seeking refuge and food simultaneously.
Tolerates a wide range of parameters — the Windelov is one of the more forgiving aquatic plants available, performing well across pH 6.0–8.0, a broad temperature range, and both soft and moderately hard water. It is among the best choices for new tanks, imperfect parameters, or keepers who want reliable, long-lived plants without demanding maintenance.
How to Set It Up
Getting Started
1
Attach to driftwood or stone — never plant in substrate — secure the rhizome to driftwood or porous rock with thread or a small amount of super glue gel. The Windelov Fern does not need substrate and will rot if the rhizome is buried. Position with the fronds facing outward where the forked tips will be clearly visible and accessible to shrimp.
2
Keep the rhizome fully exposed — whether attaching to hardscape or resting on the substrate, ensure the rhizome sits at or above the surface at all times. This is the single most important care step for any Java Fern variant and the most frequently overlooked after purchase.
3
Provide low to medium light — the Windelov thrives under modest lighting and does not benefit from high intensity. Low to medium light produces healthy, deep green fronds with well-developed forked tips. Higher light increases the risk of algae colonizing the slow-growing leaves without meaningfully improving growth rate or form.
4
Dose liquid fertilizer for sustained growth — as an epiphyte feeding through its leaves, the Windelov draws all nutrition from the water column. A regular balanced liquid fertilizer routine keeps new frond production consistent and maintains the rich green color and structural quality of established fronds over time.
💡 Bonus Tip
The Windelov Fern and Anubias barteri on the same piece of driftwood is a pairing that has earned its reputation — the broad, smooth, deep green Anubias leaves and the finely forked, textured Windelov fronds create a textural contrast at the same light level and care requirements that works in virtually any layout style, from natural to Dutch to low-tech community tanks.
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Browse more aquatic plants
Pair the Windelov Fern with Anubias, Bucephalandra, or mosses for a complete low-tech hardscape planting. Browse our Aquatic Plants collection.
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