Microsorum pteropus 'Broad'

Microsorum pteropus 'Broad' is a cultivar selected for fronds that are notably wider than the standard Java fern, producing bold, broad lance-shaped to ovate fronds of deep green that create a commanding visual presence. The fronds display the classic Java fern leathery texture and can reach 35–45 cm in well-established specimens, making this one of the larger Java fern cultivars and best suited to tanks of 80 litres or more.

The broad frond surface makes 'Broad' somewhat more prone to algae colonisation under high-intensity light, so moderate to low lighting is recommended. In optimal conditions it is a vigorous grower for a Java fern, producing fresh fronds regularly and developing into a lush, forest-like specimen that dominates its area of the aquascape. Like all Java ferns it requires attachment to hardscape rather than substrate planting, and propagates naturally via adventitious plantlets on mature frond undersides.

Light: Low to medium; broad fronds collect more light and are susceptible to algae without adequate flow. CO2: Not required; benefits from CO2 supplementation in medium-light setups to prevent algae on large frond surfaces. Fertilisation: Monthly liquid fertiliser; the large frond area demands adequate macro and micronutrient supply. Placement: Attach to large driftwood or background rocks; the broad fronds are impressive as a primary background feature. Propagation: Harvest adventitious plantlets from mature frond undersides; attach to hardscape once 3–4 leaves are visible.