I’ve always had a soft spot for unique aquatic plants, and one that never fails to captivate me is the Borneo Fern – Trichomanes Javanicum. If you’re anything like me and enjoy adding a touch of wild elegance to your tank or terrarium, then this plant is a gem worth exploring. Over time, I’ve received loads of questions about it, so I’ve put together this FAQ-style article to cover the ins and outs of this beautiful fern, based on my firsthand experience.
What Is Borneo Fern – Trichomanes Javanicum?
The Borneo Fern is a delicate, lace-like plant native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly Borneo and Java. It belongs to the Hymenophyllaceae family, known for ferns that prefer high humidity and low light environments. Trichomanes Javanicum, its botanical name, refers to its finely divided fronds and glass-like texture.
This plant isn’t your average aquarium fern. It’s an epiphytic and semi-aquatic species, which means it often grows attached to driftwood or rocks in the wild, not rooted in substrate like other aquatic plants. What really drew me in was its mystical appearance—almost like green lace fluttering in the current.
Is Borneo Fern Suitable for Aquariums?
Yes, but with caution. When people talk about “Borneo Fern Aquarium” setups, they usually refer to high-humidity, low-light tanks with gentle water flow. I’ve had the best results keeping mine in a paludarium or riparium, where part of the plant stays above water while the roots remain moist. That said, the Borneo Fern underwater can survive for short periods, but it generally doesn’t thrive fully submerged long-term.
I’d recommend a high-humidity enclosure over a fully aquatic tank unless you’re aiming for short-term aesthetics. In my case, even in a well-balanced low-tech tank, the submerged fronds would eventually melt or show signs of decay if the humidity wasn’t 90%+ and airflow wasn’t optimal.
What’s the Ideal Borneo Fern Care Routine?
When it comes to Borneo Fern Care, think of a rainforest floor—humid, shaded, and moist. Here’s my go-to care checklist:
- Light: Indirect light is key. I use a soft-spectrum LED or position the plant in shaded zones of my setup.
- Humidity: Keep it above 80%, preferably 90–95%. I mist daily and use a sealed terrarium when necessary.
- Water: Soft, slightly acidic water works best. I stick to rainwater or RO water to prevent mineral build-up.
- Mounting: Don’t bury it in soil. I secure mine to lava rock or driftwood using plant glue or fishing line.
- Airflow: This is crucial. While it needs high humidity, stagnant air leads to rot. A small USB fan in the tank goes a long way.
Can Borneo Fern Be Fully Submerged?
Here’s the truth: while Borneo Fern Underwater looks amazing for photos or short-term display, it is not a true aquatic plant. Trichomanes Javanicum prefers an emergent lifestyle. I’ve tried submerging it in shallow tanks and nano aquascapes, but it slowly deteriorates. The fronds become fragile, melt, and eventually disappear unless conditions are near-perfect.
That’s why I usually incorporate it into the emergent section of an aquarium or use it in a vivarium, terrarium, or even a Wabi-Kusa ball where humidity can be controlled.
How Fast Does It Grow?
Very slowly. If you’re expecting fast results, this isn’t your plant. But I love that about it. The slow growth forces me to appreciate the small changes. It’s meditative—watching the fronds unfurl little by little over weeks.
Is It Hard to Keep Alive?
Yes and no. If you’re a beginner in aquarium plants, you might find the Borneo Fern a bit tricky. It demands constant humidity, gentle air movement, and minimal handling. But once you nail the environment, it becomes surprisingly resilient. I lost my first one due to low humidity but had better luck once I adjusted my setup and stopped trying to treat it like a submerged plant.
What Are Good Companion Plants?
In my experience, good companions are other humidity-loving species. I pair mine with:
- Buces (Bucephalandra spp.)
- Anubias Nana Petite
- Java Moss
- Mini Pellia
- Cryptocoryne Wendtii
They all enjoy similar conditions, especially in semi-submerged or terrarium setups.
Where Can You Buy Borneo Fern?
It’s still relatively rare in the hobby. I found mine through a specialty aquatic plant seller online, but I’ve also seen it pop up in high-end local aquascaping shops. Make sure the plant is lab-grown or nursery propagated—wild harvesting from Borneo poses ecological risks.
Final Thoughts
The Borneo Fern – Trichomanes Javanicum isn’t for everyone, but if you’re into bioactive setups, paludariums, or vivariums, it’s a rewarding challenge. “Borneo Fern Aquarium” layouts might look dreamy on Instagram, but understanding that it’s a humidity-loving epiphyte, not a traditional aquatic plant, is essential for success.
It’s a slow grower, delicate in nature, and high-maintenance—but honestly, that’s what makes it special. For me, it’s less about utility and more about art and ecology. It has a mystical aura, like a living whisper from the Bornean rainforest itself.
If you’re patient and love tinkering with microclimates, give it a try. Just don’t expect it to behave like Java Fern. This one marches to the beat of the rainforest.
If i die, water my plants!
