Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus

A streamside fern across tropical Asia

Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus is distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia.

It anchors to rocks, roots and other firm surfaces beside streams and flood-prone watercourses.

Care in aquariums and humid displays

For aquarium growth, attach Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus to rock or wood and keep the rhizome above the substrate. Moderate light, stable water conditions and gentle flow suit submerged growth.

Above the waterline, provide filtered light, high humidity, airflow and a moist but airy mount or substrate. Keep the rhizome hydrated while allowing air to reach it.

Feed lightly according to the growing method. Divide healthy rhizome sections or detach plantlets once they have their own roots and leaves.

Normal underwater changes, rot and leaf damage

• Older leaves grown above water declining after submersion: This is normal when firm new underwater leaves are developing.
• Soft black creeping stem: Remove the decayed section and keep the remaining firm part attached to rock or wood with water moving around it.
• Pinholes or dead patches: Check for nutrient shortage, grazing, physical damage or infection. Snails and fish can also graze the leaves.
• Dark round spore patches beneath mature leaves and rooted young plants on older leaves: These are normal.
• Hard swellings or spreading distorted growth: Separate and discard affected material when Java fern gall is suspected.

Keep Leptochilus pteropus subsp. pteropus away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

Leptochilus pteropus: where the name comes from

Leptochilus combines Greek leptos, “thin” or “slender”, and cheilos, “lip”. Pteropus combines Greek pteron, “wing”, and pous or podos, “foot”.

Georg Friedrich Kaulfuss established the genus Leptochilus in 1824 in Enumeratio Filicum, page 147.

Carl Ludwig Blume first described it as Polypodium pteropus in 1828 in Enumeratio Plantarum Javae, volume 2, additions and corrections. Christopher Roy Fraser-Jenkins later placed it in Leptochilus as Leptochilus pteropus in 2008 in Taxonomic Revision of Three Hundred Indian Subcontinental Pteridophytes, page 62.