Borneo Fern Aquarium

 

Borneo Fern: The Perfect Addition to Your Aquarium

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Dive into the majesty of underwater flora where the colorful fish are royalty, and plants like the Borneo fern serve as the magnificent backdrop to this tranquil kingdom. Regarded as a popular choice among aquascapers, this blog post will detail everything you need to know about the Borneo Fern for your aquarium.

Introduction: Underwater Beauty from Borneo

The Borneo Fern, or the Trichomanes javanicum, is a stunning plant endemic to the massive island of Borneo. It is known for its uniquely beautiful fan-shaped fronds, adding an exotic visage to any aquarium.

Borneo Fern varieties

Borneo is renowned for its extensive variety of fern species, with approximately 480 distinct species and variations according to the "Catalogue of the Ferns of Borneo." This includes a number of species that are exclusive to the Borneo region.

Among these diverse species, certain Bornean ferns deserve a special mention. To illustrate, consider the Trichomanes Javanicum, commonly known as the Borneo Fern. Originating from South-East Asia, this slow-growing terrarium plant needs specific care; it doesn't tolerate prolonged submersion well.

Another recent newcomer to the Borneo fern family is the Sphaerostephanos unitus var. dimorphophylla.

These examples represent a mere sampling of the vast array of Borneo Fern types found in nature, many of which are ideal for aquariums and terrariums. When selecting a fern for your aquarium, always take into account considerations like care needs, growth speed, and compatibility with your tank's existing ecosystem.

Planting Borneo Ferns in tanks

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide for planting Borneo Ferns in aquarium tanks:

Materials Needed

• Healthy Borneo Fern Plant
• Aquarium substrate
• Root tabs (optional)
• Forceps or planting tweezers

Steps

1. Prepare the Tank: Begin by ensuring that your aquarium conditions are suitable for the Borneo Fern. Maintain a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and a temperature range of 68-82°F.

2. Prepare the Plant: Thoroughly rinse the Borneo Fern under lukewarm water to remove any potential pests. Trim any dead leaves or roots before planting.

3. Plant the Fern: Due to its nature of growing on surface rather than subsoil, the Borneo Fern can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or decorations. Fix it by using a fishing line or special plant glue. If planting in the substrate, ensure not to bury the rhizome (the part from where leaves shoot out) to prevent rot.

4. Post-Plant Care: Position the fern in a location with low to moderate light, away from direct currents in the water.

5. Maintain the Fern: Provide proper nutrition through root tabs or liquid fertilizers if needed, and remove dead leaves promptly. Regular water changes will also help maintain healthy growth.

6. Propagation: The Borneo Fern can reproduce by splitting the rhizome and even by leaf cuttings in some cases.

Remember, growing plants like the Borneo Fern can greatly enhance the natural beauty of your aquarium and create a healthier environment for your aquatic inhabitants. Enjoy the greenery!

Borneo Fern vs Java Fern

Borneo Fern (Trichomanes Javanicum)

• Habitat: This fern is indigenous to Borneo, capable of thriving in cloudy waters.
• Appearance: It exudes a unique natural charm with its thin, delicate leaves, subtly enhancing an aquarium's aesthetic appeal.
• Maintenance Requirements: It requires regular misting and isn't suited for prolonged submersion. Despite frequently being marketed as an aquatic plant, it may deteriorate if submerged.

Java Fern (Microsorum Pteropus)

• Habitat: This fern has its roots in Southeast Asia.
• Appearance: The fern's broad leaves follow a distinct tiered growth pattern, adding visual interest to an aquarium.
• Maintenance Requirements: Being fully aquatic, the Java Fern is easy to grow and maintain, making it ideal for beginners. It can tolerate being half or fully submerged.

Ultimately, each fern bears its unique attributes and benefits. The choice between the two relies on your personal preferences and willingness to invest time in plant care.

Benefits of Borneo Fern in aquarium

Borneo Fern, scientifically known as Trichomanes Javanicum, can contribute to both the aesthetic and biological aspects of aquariums when proper conditions are provided.

Aesthetic Appeal: Borneo Ferns introduce a distinct natural charm to aquariums. As a native fern adapting to murky water in Borneo, it adds a subtle visual enhancement to the tank.

Adaptive: These ferns thrive in their environment by accomplishing photosynthesis even in less-than-ideal light conditions. They exhibit resilience and slow growth.

It is important to be aware that Borneo Ferns are not true aquatic plants, even though they are often marketed under names such as "Aqua Fern" and "Underwater Fern." There is a possibility that they may not grow underwater long-term or might even decay if continuously submerged.

Before deciding to incorporate Borneo Ferns into your aquarium, weigh these aspects carefully and ensure a thorough evaluation of their suitability for your specific environment.

How to grow Borneo Fern

Step 1 - Preparing the Plant: Regularly mist the fern with water, as it thrives in conditions with high humidity.

Step 2 - Pot and Soil Selection: Choose a pot with substantial drainage holes and fill it with soil that drains well, such as peat moss or coco coir.

Step 3 - Planting Process: Once out of its nursery container, gently separate the roots of the fern before planting it into the prepared pot.

Step 4 - Care and Maintenance: Considering its slow growth, a CO2 injection can potentially improve the growth rate. Additionally, apply light fertilization every fortnight for optimal growth.

Please note that although often marketed as an aquatic plant, the Borneo Fern is fundamentally a land fern. Continuous submersion may lead to rot.

Borneo Fern size and growth rate

Given the limited specific information available, the Borneo Fern is acknowledged to have a slow growth rate. The health and growth of this fern are significantly influenced by the conditions of its environment.

Due to its slow-growing nature, reaching maturity might take longer when compared to other more rapidly growing plants. The exact dimensions of a fully mature Borneo Fern are not well-documented and appear to vary.

For more specific and customized advice concerning Borneo Fern, it is advisable to consult with a horticultural expert or a trusted plant retailer.

Tank conditions for Borneo Fern

• pH Level: The Borneo Fern thrives best in a pH range of 6-7.5.

• Lighting: This plant prefers low light settings.

• Water Temperature: This fern adapts to most aquarium conditions, ideally with a temperature ranging from 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Co2: Supplementation is not necessary for the Borneo Fern.

• Placement: The Borneo Fern flourishes when anchored in the substrate or secured to rocks or driftwood using a fishing line or thread.

• Humidity: Ensure a minimum humidity level of 60-70%.

Please note, abrupt changes in the aquarium environment may induce a "melting" or "rotting" effect in the Borneo Fern, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable conditions.

Compatibility of Borneo Fern with fishes

The Borneo Fern could be an excellent addition to your aquarium as it peacefully coexists with a majority of fish types. Its leafy structure offers shelter to small fish and invertebrates, serving as a refuge. This plant is particularly favored in aquascapes inhabited by Betta fish and similar species.

Nevertheless, its slow-growth nature might not be ideal when paired with herbivorous species prone to grazing on its leaves.

It's vital to note that, although frequently marketed as an aquatic fern, the Borneo Fern is in fact a terrestrial plant. It can endure underwater conditions for a period, but its health may decline if kept submerged permanently. This aspect should be taken into account during your aquarium setup.

Additionally, it's worth highlighting that although the Borneo Fern is frequently marketed as an aquatic plant, it is indeed a terrestrial fern. Sustained submersion may not be optimal for its long-term health.

Appearance and Growth Pattern

The Borneo fern's visuals consist of intricate, delicate-looking fronds that fan outward from a central point, resembling a peacock's spread tail. It's green, textured leaves form an excellent contrast against the clear water, the décor, and the aquatic life, enhancing your aquarium's aesthetic appeal.

This fern proliferates under the right conditions, being a rhizomatous species. Rather than being planted in the substrate like most aquatic plants, the Borneo Fern prefers to be attached to driftwood or rocks, where it spreads its rhizomes to multiply.

Ideal Conditions for Borneo Fern

The Borneo Fern is an adaptable plant known for its hardiness, which makes it a compatible entity for a variety of aquariums. It thrives in a broad range of water parameters. The preferred water temperature for this fern ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

It can exist perfectly well in low to medium light but does grow more swiftly in medium to high light. Do remember, like any plant, a well-lit environment should be complemented with a proper supply of nutrients.

Propagation

When it comes to increasing your Borneo Fern population, this plant keeps it simple. As an owner, you'll find it fairly easy to propagate. New sprouts can be carefully cut and then attached to a different rock or driftwood.

Final Thoughts

The Borneo Fern is an undeniably attractive plant that can serve as a focal point in any aquarium. Its luxurious fronds create aquatic landscapes that are rivaled by few other species. Easy to care for, adaptable, and beautiful, the Borneo Fern is undeniably an excellent addition to your underwater world.

Embrace the opportunity to cultivate an aquarium echoing the diversity and beauty of Borneo – a water tank filled with vibrant life, swirling colors, and a backdrop of lush Borneo Fern.