Java Fern on Driftwood?

[KiwiGal77 0]

Hi all,

I would love to eventually have a fully planted tank, but currently haven't got the time or money to set it up properly. For now all my plants are of the silk variety, but I was wondering if it would be possible to get a real java fern growing on my piece of driftwood?

If so, how do I go about it (java fern for dummies) and is there anything I really need to know before I go ahead?

FYI - it's a 45L tropical freshwater tank, good hanging filter, only lighting is daylight and current fish are 2 platys (over the next couple of months will be adding corys and a small schooling fish too)

Cheers

[SanityChelle 18]

Java fern is super easy as a tank plant. It doesn't grow very fast, but it's hardy as. It doesn't need any fertilisers or super bright light either.

Just buy some java fern off trademe, and to attach it to the wood, you can either use something like a rubber band to hold it there (and cut it off when the fern has attached), or cotton thread to tie it on (like brown so you can't see it against the wood).

Personally, I'm lazy and just wedge it between rocks, and it eventually grabs hold of the rock.

[KiwiGal77 0]

Thanks, sounds easy enough

Also am I correct in thinking that Anubias can also be attached to driftwood and are another easy-care plant?

[SanityChelle 18]

Yup, they're pretty much similar to java ferns. They like their roots out of the ground, and will attach themselves to rocks and driftwood, and are very slow growers.

[Caryl 207]

Add your location to your profile and someone nearby may offer you some plant.

Java can have their roots jammed into a split in the wood, either a natural split or cut one with a sharp knife.

[KiwiGal77 0]

Thanks

Picking up some Abubias Nana on the way home today and just bought some Java Fern off TM (cheaper than in store). Should have a lovely, natural looking planted piece of driftwood by next week.

Yay, first real aquarium plants

[KiwiGal77 0]

Does it look like I've done it right?? Just tied on with some cotton so the roots are sitting in a crevice. Planning on putting the java fern on the other side of the high point which is a bit longer

[SanityChelle 18]

Looks good! As it won't lift off once its in the water.

[KiwiGal77 0]

How long do they normally take to attach themselves securely, and at that point do you cut the cotton off?

[SanityChelle 18]

I usually just leave the cotton on and it'll eventually just disintegrate.

[KiwiGal77 0]

Awesome thanks. Did a little re-arranging after this and have moved it to a deeper hole a bit closer to the front. Will see if it's still alive in the morning :slfg:

[rcon021 1]

I have some java fern if you want to pick up

[KiwiGal77 0]

I have some java fern if you want to pick up

ahh, bugger I didn't get onto adding my location before ordering from TM! Thanks anyway for the offer

[NoFishing 0]

You can also use dress maker pins to pin the plants to the wood. Much easier I find but remember to remove the pins after a few weeks once the roots have taken hold and before the pins rust. Use the ones with the plastic colourful heads so easier to find again and safer for your fish.