Light
Medium indirect • approx. 5,000–10,000 lux
Polypodiaceae
Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus
VAT included · plus
Quick overview of our standard shipping rates, free-shipping thresholds and typical transit times for the countries we currently serve. Remote-area surcharges for certain postcodes are added automatically at checkout where applicable.
For full details, winter shipping rules and packaging information, please visit our Shipping & Delivery page.
| Country | Shipping | Free from | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Belgium | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Bulgaria | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Croatia | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Cyprus (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Czechia | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Denmark (¹) | € 16.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Estonia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Finland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| France (¹) | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Germany | € 8.95 | € 70 | 1–2 working days |
| Greece (¹²) | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Hungary | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Ireland | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Italy (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Latvia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Lithuania | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Luxembourg | € 12.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Malta (²) | € 39.95 | No free shipping | 5–7 working days |
| Netherlands | € 8.95 | € 100 | 1–2 working days |
| Poland | € 12.95 | € 100 | 2–4 working days |
| Portugal (¹) | € 14.95 | € 150 | 2–4 working days |
| Romania | € 21.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovakia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Slovenia | € 18.95 | € 200 | 5–7 working days |
| Spain (¹) | € 14.95 | € 125 | 2–4 working days |
| Sweden | € 18.95 | € 200 | 2–4 working days |
| Switzerland | € 29.95 | € 300 | 5–7 working days |
Notes
- ¹ Island / remote-area surcharge: added automatically at checkout for affected postcodes, including Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Faroe Islands, Azores, Madeira, Balearic Islands, and selected Greek island postcodes. Canary Islands: we currently do not ship there.
- ² Cyprus, Greece & Malta: delivery is possible, but courier reliability can vary; arrival times and plant condition cannot be guaranteed. Our 28-day guarantee does not apply to plants shipped to these destinations due to unpredictable transit times.
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus
Quick Care Guide
Watering
Water when ~0–10% dry
Potting mix
Inert-substrate-friendly • Fast-draining • Mineral-heavy • Medium
Temperature
Ideal: 22–28 °C • Avoid below: 22 °C
Growth habit
aquatic fern with creeping rhizome
Support
none
Growth speed
Slow
Max size indoors
Max. height: 30 cm • Max. spread: 30 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic & Pet Friendly
Origin & habitat
Tropical Asia to N. Australia; wet tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus – Aquatic Fern with Floating Elegance
Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus, also known under its older name Microsorum pteropus, is a highly adaptable aquatic fern native to Southeast Asia. Commonly referred to as “Java fern,” this subspecies is best known for its dark green, lance-shaped fronds that grow from a creeping rhizome. It thrives when attached to rocks or wood rather than planted in substrate, making it an excellent choice for aquascaping or paludarium setups. Its slow, steady growth and ability to adapt to low light and varied water conditions make it a favourite for both beginner and advanced aquatic plant keepers.
Leaf Shape and Aquatic Growth of Leptochilus pteropus
- Frond type: Long, narrow, and arching with smooth or slightly ruffled edges
- Colour: Rich to dark green; brighter under strong light
- Rhizome: Thick, creeping, and best grown above substrate
- Growth habit: Clumping, spreading slowly via horizontal rhizomes
- Size: Fronds can reach 15 – 30 cm in length under ideal submerged conditions
Natural Range and Ecological Context of Leptochilus pteropus
Leptochilus pteropus is native to freshwater rivers, stream margins, and flooded forest areas in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It grows both submerged and emersed, often clinging to driftwood or rocks in shaded, slow-moving waters. Temperatures in these habitats range from 22 – 28 °C, with low to medium light levels and high humidity. This subspecies is tolerant of a wide pH range and can grow in aquariums with or without CO₂ supplementation, though it does not tolerate being buried in substrate.
Leptochilus pteropus is non-toxic and safe for aquatic life, making it ideal for tanks with fish, shrimp, and snails.
How to Care for Leptochilus pteropus in Aquatic Setups
- Light: Low to medium indirect light; too much light may trigger algae
- Water parameters: Tolerates soft to moderately hard water; pH 6.0 – 7.5
- Water temperature: Best at 22 – 28 °C; stable temps support strong growth
- Placement: Attach to wood, stone, or lava rock with thread or glue – don’t bury the rhizome
- Fertilising: Benefits from occasional liquid aquarium fertiliser, but not essential
- CO₂: Not required but may accelerate growth and deepen leaf colour
- Propagation: By dividing the rhizome or via adventitious plantlets on mature fronds
- Pruning: Trim damaged or overly old fronds to promote new growth
- Substrate: None needed – rhizome should always remain exposed to water flow
Typical Problems with Leptochilus pteropus
- Yellowing leaves: Often due to nutrient deficiency – add mild liquid fertiliser
- Rhizome rot: Caused by planting it into substrate – keep it exposed above ground
- Algae growth: Manage light duration and avoid nutrient imbalance
- Black spots on fronds: Often mistaken for disease – these are spore-producing structures and are normal
- Slow growth: Natural for this species – don’t over-fertilise to force faster development
Additional Notes on Leptochilus pteropus Subsp. pteropus
This plant’s slow, deliberate pace makes it ideal for balanced aquascapes where low maintenance is a priority. Leptochilus pteropus doesn’t require frequent trimming and integrates well with driftwood-based layouts. It’s ideal for shrimp tanks, betta habitats, and low-tech community aquariums. To recreate its native environment, focus on soft lighting, flowing water, and attaching the rhizome above substrate to ensure it thrives long-term.
Etymology and Botanical Classification of Leptochilus pteropus
Leptochilus is from Greek “leptos” (thin) and “cheilos” (lip), referring to the slender sporangial structures of the genus. The species name pteropus means “winged foot” in Greek, describing the bat-like form of the fronds. Formerly classified as Microsorum pteropus, this species has been moved to Leptochilus in recent botanical updates based on morphological and genetic studies.
Buy Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus Now
Easy, elegant, and endlessly adaptable – Leptochilus pteropus is the perfect aquatic fern for beginner tanks or mature aquascapes. Order now and give your aquarium a natural, low-maintenance upgrade.
FAQs about Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus
Plant Care Basics:
- Care basics – Main hub with links to all houseplant care guides.
- After delivery & first week – Unpacking, first placement, and early recovery.
- Light – How much light houseplants really need indoors.
- Watering – When to water and how to avoid root rot.
- Substrates & roots – Potting mixes and drainage for strong root systems.
- Humidity – When humidity matters and what actually helps.
- Fertilizing – Simple feeding routine without burning roots.
- Problems & pests – Yellow leaves, brown tips, bugs, and fixes that work.
- Semi-hydro – How to run low-maintenance mineral substrates.
Your new plant has just travelled a long way and needs a calm start in its new home. For step-by-step unboxing and first-week care, check our after-delivery care guide. For deeper tips on how your plant settles in over the next weeks, read our houseplant acclimatization guide.
Please head to our FAQ Page or Contact us.
Choose options
Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus
Sale price€21,00
Polypodiaceae
VAT included · plus Shipping costs
- Curated selection:
Every plant is hand‑picked for health and visual appeal, so you receive a strong, well‑established plant.
- Representative photos:
Product images show a typical plant of this variety. Natural differences in leaf number, shape or variegation are normal – your plant will still match in type and quality.
- Size details:
Listed sizes refer to pot diameter (cm) and approximate overall height (cm) from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem.
- “Get What You See” items:
If you are buying the exact plant shown in the photos, this is clearly stated in the size section.
- Individual photos:
One‑off photos are only provided when this is explicitly mentioned in the size section. - For special traits or small quirks, please check the full product description.
Secure shipping – carefully packed orders with safe delivery across the EU, UK and Switzerland.
28-day plant guarantee – if a plant arrives damaged or fails soon after delivery, we help you make it right.
Free returns – simple, cost-free returns according to our policy.
For full details, please see:
Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus
Quick Care Guide
Light
Medium indirect • approx. 5,000–10,000 lux
Watering
Water when ~0–10% dry
Potting mix
Inert-substrate-friendly • Fast-draining • Mineral-heavy • Medium
Temperature
Ideal: 22–28 °C • Avoid below: 22 °C
Growth habit
aquatic fern with creeping rhizome
Support
none
Growth speed
Slow
Max size indoors
Max. height: 30 cm • Max. spread: 30 cm
Toxicity & safety
Non-toxic & Pet Friendly
Origin & habitat
Tropical Asia to N. Australia; wet tropical biome
How to read these metrics
These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.
Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.
- Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level; DLI is the daily light “dose” for grow lights.
- Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
- Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
- Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
- Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.
- Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
- Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
- Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
- Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
- Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
- Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.
