For aquarium enthusiasts, the Thai fern is a popular choice because of its lush, green foliage. This aquatic plant gives the fish and other occupants of the aquarium vital advantages in addition to adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Thai ferns are easy to maintain and adaptable in their planting, flourishing in a range of water types. It is a versatile choice for novice and expert aquarists alike, growing well affixed to rocks or driftwood. Fish can naturally hide among the broad leaves of the plant, which also contributes to the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem.
The Thai fern is an excellent option if you’re building up a new aquarium or just want to add some greenery to your current tank. It is a great addition to any aquatic environment because of its distinctive appearance and low maintenance requirements.
| Feature | Description |
| Scientific Name | Microsorum pteropus |
| Lighting Needs | Low to moderate |
| Water Temperature | 22-28°C (72-82°F) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Propagation | Rhizome division |
| Placement | Midground to background |
| Maintenance | Low, easy for beginners |
Description
As one might expect, Thailand’s reservoirs and those of other Southeast Asian nations are home to this underwater flora. However, the primary distinction between them and aquarium species is that a single bush in a river can grow up to 50 cm in height. This amount is, at most, half as much at home, although the plant typically grows no more than 10 cm.
The biological name for this plant is Microsorium, and it’s very interesting because it grows well without soil. All it does is search the water for food. This plant typically grows along rivers where it clings to stones and other obstacles with its long, thread-like roots.
The shrubs feature thin, creeping stems and elongated, green leaves. They have pretty interesting reproduction. New growth appears right on the leaves. The leaf they grew on turns black and dies as they grow and take root.
The fact that the fern is modest and does not bother the aquarium owner when it grows is one of its main benefits. Naturally, though, in order to prevent the bushes from dying soon or growing slowly, a few more conditions must be met.
First and foremost, it’s important to keep in mind that ferns are peaceful, old water plants. Its high nutritional content is important to them. Consequently, when planting bushes in your aquarium, plan ahead so that you don’t touch them again. This way, the bushes will eventually start to grow into lovely thickets.
To ensure optimal growth and development, the Thai fern needs to be given the following maintenance conditions:
- Water composition. Hardness should be within 6 dH. That is, the water should ideally be soft. Thanks to this, the leaves will be stronger and will not turn black, which is typical for these plants. Acidity – 5.5-8 pH. As a rule, such parameters are observed in old aquariums. Therefore, frequent water changes should not be carried out. 1/5 of the volume twice a month is enough;
- Temperature. Here it should be taken into account that in nature this fern grows in Thailand, where it is quite hot all year round. Accordingly, it does not like cold water at all. If the mark falls below 18 degrees, then its growth completely stops. Ideally, it should be maintained at 24 ° C;
- Lighting. Here you also need to pay attention to natural conditions. In such exotic countries there is a lot of sun, and plants get used to it. Therefore, in an aquarium, daylight should be at least 12 hours. The light, of course, is intense, over 0.5 W / l., but everything depends on the placement of the plant. If you plant it on a fairly high snag, then a lower lamp power will do.
The Thai fern is a well-liked aquatic plant with lace-like, bright green leaves that give any aquarium a hint of natural beauty. Both novice and seasoned aquarists will find this hardy plant to be an excellent choice because of its ease of maintenance. It is a versatile plant that grows well in a range of water conditions and offers fish and other aquatic life excellent cover, contributing to the creation of a balanced and healthy environment in the tank. Thai fern is an attractive and adaptable choice for improving the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium or giving your fish a habitat.
Reproduction
This is not an especially tough process. Creating appropriate keeping conditions is the most important thing to do. When you place a Thai fern on a stone or snag without touching it, it will eventually start to grow more of itself. You can first plant small bushes at a close distance, each with two to three leaves.
On the large, old leaves, shoots will start to appear as they grow and adapt. The mother leaf in this instance eventually withers away and turns black. The young bush will separate and be ready to be planted separately as soon as it dissolves in water. The shoot can go ahead if the aquarium’s owner hasn’t chosen a location yet. If it just floats in the tank, it won’t perish.
How to plant?
This is a straightforward situation where nothing is difficult to understand. Any type of soil will do for the aquarist; it makes no difference. Carbon dioxide is also not required in the supply. Selecting a stone or snag is sufficient. The bushes are simple to tie to, and eventually the roots will stick to the décor on their own and you won’t need to tie them anymore. However, if you wish to create a lovely fern carpet, then a specialized net is ideal.
How to attach to a rock or snag?
There are several ways to carry out this process. Since the plant is attached using improvised materials found in every modern apartment, they are all very practical and appropriate for all types of people.
In actuality, you can affix a fern in this manner:
Fishing line. Every home owned by a fisherman has it. If not, though, it is very affordable and available at any specialty store. The fishing line has the advantage of not dissolving in water and appearing inconspicuous if not wound excessively. However, you must use caution when tying the bush because a leaf or stem could easily get cut by the fishing line. Consequently, you don’t need to tighten it excessively;
Thread. Nylon is the best choice because it is highly dependable and has exceptional water resistance. If you don’t have it, regular cotton threads will work just fine. Nevertheless, they have the drawback of dissolving in water over time. As a result, the fern needs to be "conscientiously" wrapped. particularly if the aquarium is home to ancistrus and other fish that are similar in that they enjoy "exploring" everything;
Cable. The best are those tiny bits of scrap material that are wrapped around brand-new headphones and other wires (when purchasing a computer, mouse, keyboard, etc., for instance). They are incredibly simple to use and have no effect whatsoever on water. If you tie ferns with a thread inside the aquarium rather than in the room, it is very inconvenient. In this sense, however, Wire emerges as a clear winner. To ensure that the plant does not dangle, we fasten the bush to the branch, wrap it in wire, and gradually tighten it in a spiral from behind;
Moment glue. It is crucial that it be waterproof and of excellent quality. It’s sufficient to apply a few drops to the roots and press them against the stone. Naturally, they will eventually die off, but in the interim, the Thai fern will have grown stronger and be able to survive on its own.
The Thai fern is a fantastic accent to any aquarium, providing aesthetic appeal in addition to usefulness. It is a favorite plant among aquarists because of its delicate leaves, which create a natural and peaceful environment.
This plant thrives in a range of water conditions and is not only aesthetically pleasing but also low maintenance. Because of its adaptability, it’s a fantastic option for hobbyists of all skill levels who want to improve their aquatic setups.
Thai fern is a dynamic addition to your aquarium that can enhance both the overall health and appearance of your underwater habitat. It’s more than just another plant. Thai fern is a rewarding and adaptable option if you want to create a lush green backdrop or give fish a place to hide.
