Description
We received this relatively small Java fern form with the information that it is the original "Short Narrow Leaf". Apparently more than one variant is traded under that name, however "Short Narrow Leaf" fits well our plant. It can be described as a miniature version of Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow'. Mostly the very narrowly-lanceolate leaves get about 15 cm long and 1 cm wide. Very old plants may also develop up to 28 cm long leaves, with 8 cm long stalk and 20 cm long, 1.5 cm wide blade. Some leaves may have one or two narrow lobes at the basis of the leaf blade. However, this Java fern normally remains considerably shorter.
Microsorum pteropus "Sri Lanka" is as easy as other Java fern variants. Good nutrient supply and medium lighting are very beneficial for its growth. It grows well as attached plant on the hardscape but can also be fastened to the ground as long as the rhizome is not buried. As well as other Java fern variants, this plant is easily propagated by cuttings and adventitious plantlets that develop on old leaves.
This small, narrow-leaved fern is ideal for the hardscape decoration, especially in cases where the normal 'Narrow' Java fern gets too big, not least in nano aquaria.
Characteristic
Small, narrow-leaved Java fern
Hardly exceeding 15 cm
Suitable for Nano aquariums
Category
Epiphytes
