RARE TRUE PHILIPPINES FERN - Microsorum Pteropus sp. 'Philippines'

Philippines Fern Portion Size : 1 plant with usually around 3-8 leaves
 If the plant is shorter, for example having a height around 10-13cm, it will usually have around 5-8 smaller leaves)
If the plant is taller, for example having a height around 15-20cm, it will usually have around 3-5 larger leaves

The Philippines Fern offered by Aquarzon here is the true variant that is different from Java Fern and Mini Philippines Fern. Aquarzon propagated over 15 types of aquatic ferns over many years and has purchased from more than 50 different local hobbyists so a lot of comparisons and long-term observations had been done. 

Philippines Fern is a rare, beautiful variant of Microsorum that originates from the tropical Philippines islands northeast of Borneo. Unlike standard Java Fern, Aquarzon observes this fern has the unique characteristic of possessing ribbed and hammered patterns on its leaves which is most visible on fully matured leaves. This pattern is much less visible when the leaves are young and growing.

As it grows to a maximum size smaller than the standard Java Fern, it is widely regarded as a dwarf species in the aquarium hobby. In our opinion, this plant is best positioned in the midground region of an aquascape.

It is unfortunate that this is one of those plants commonly misidentified in the aquarium hobby and trade. Many ferns sold as "Philippines Fern" are not the true Philippines Fern but actually the standard Java Fern or Narrow Leaf Java Fern. While the Philippines Fern does not much show of its unique leaf pattern when it is young, the ribbed and hammered pattern can usually still be slightly visible and this is the easiest physical indicator to tell a young Philippines Fern apart from Java Fern or other ferns. In Aquarzon's experience, the easiest way to confirm is to wait for the plant to fully mature and if the fern does not show any ribbed or hammered pattern even when it is fully grown, then it is not the Philippines Fern.    

Because many "Philippines Fern" circulating in the aquarium hobby are not the true Philippines Fern, the true variant is actually rarer than expected, a similar case to true Weeping Moss that is having this same situation. We have managed to source the true Philippines Fern and have been propagating for many years. Please note that stock availability is very limited as what we have is usually mostly based on what we can propagate. The age of plant sent depends on availability as it can be from a younger or more mature batch depending on availability. If a younger plant is sent, the pattern would be less visible for the moment but will be more visible when it matures.

Aquarzon has taken closeup photos of true Philippines Fern and hopes this can help hobbyists to be able to able to tell this apart from Java Fern and other ferns.

(Information written by Aquarzon based on actual growing experience, observations and research. Please do not copy any information or photos) 




Growth Speed   : Slow-Medium
Difficulty Level   : Easy
Temperature      : 10-30°C
PH Range          : 5.0-8.0
Min. Light Needs: Low
Origin                 : Philippines, Asia