I've searched LFS all over Kuching and have given up on finding Java Fern, therefore I have decided to go find it in the wild.......but I am lacking some information on where to get it in the wild. So if anyone of you can help to point out Java's habitat in the wild, it will be a really great help. Then I will know the best place to find it! Thank you in advance!

Your best bet is on woods and rocks at waterfalls where the fern will receive some sunlight and sprays of water from the fall. You maybe able to find moss there as well. Best of luck in finding the fern.

Went to search for Java Fern with my friend yesterday...good thing it didn't rain! And I think I've found it....well, it resembles Java Fern anyway, the leave is similar, there's a rhizome and it grows on the root of a really huge tree just next to a stream.......so I think I've got it! Not very sure though...and I've collected lots of stones too!

Anyway, I've tied it to a stone and now it's keeping my Ah Goon (that's what I called my flowerhorn... ) company. How long do you think before the roots start to attach to the stone? My aquarium is only receiving some sunlight from the windows.....

I'll post update on it again in a week! Hope my Java Fern flourishes!!! By the way, while I was there, I was able to collect another specimen....I have no idea what sort of a plant it is...but since it grew next to the stream I figure I'll just collect it and place it in my aquarium. Too bad my digital camera is "travelling" at the moment. A friend borrowed it, if not I would have posted a picture of it somewhere......

How big is your flower horn? I don't think the plant can survive the attack of the fish. Anyway, in order for the fern to grow healthily, make sure that the temp of the water do not exceed 28-29C and get some light (not sure how many hours or direct/indirect sunlight your plant is receiving). Although the fern will not die (hence the hardiness of this plant), it will not grow much or may not grow at all after several weeks of slow growth.

If the plants that you found near the stream is not aquatic, it will die after 1 week to 2-3 months depending on the type as the plant could be a marginal plant.

Well, my flowerhorn is only about 4 inches long...and it doesn't seemed to bother about the plants anymore. Initially it was curious and kept picking at the roots...but I guess it's given up now cos I tied it very securely to a stone.

All the plants that I found is just next to the waterline near the stream, growing on tree roots. And I guess when it rained, the water level will rise and cover them up......not totally submerged all the time though. Hopefully my plants will survive......I'm keeping my fingers crossed! :P

hmmm....went to a LFS yesterday and I spotted lots and lots of JAVA FERN!!!!!!! But my enthusiasm was soon put out as they are NOT for sale....

Anyway, from what I saw in the LFS, the plant that I picked up a few days ago isn't Java Fern.

I would like to know if there is a possibility that there's a difference between Java Fern that is grown submerged (albeit for generations) and Java Fern that is growing near waterline...??? Anyone? I've read that some plants when submerged will change their leaves structure....true?

I've read that some plants when submerged will change their leaves structure....true?
True... most submerged plants will have finer leaves compared to emerged form. You may not be able to tell that both form are the same species in some cases.

would like to know if there is a possibility that there's a difference between Java Fern that is grown submerged (albeit for generations) and Java Fern that is growing near waterline...??? Anyone?

Yes, there will be some different but not very much meaning you still can tell that the 2 form is the same species. The submerged leaves will be finer. If the java ferns displayed in the tank are newly obtained from the supplier, the leaves are emerged form as the ferns are cultivated in the farm with water sprayed onto them to keep them wet but not submerged to maximise CO2 intake.

Bear in mind there are at least 2 varities of java fern which looks very different apart as the windelov variety has alot of finger like leaves at the end of each leave.

well hemiolopterus, you are absolutely right! the plants that I put into the tank of the flowerhorn have suffered badly! nearly gone ....now i've transfered all of it to another tank with no fish...hope they recover soon...well, another lesson learnt!

just discovered this when i got back from my business trip...well, good thing is that i think these plants will be able to regenerate in a few months...i think they will survive...

anyway, from now on, i'll just keep small fishes with the plants......

If you are poping by New Zealand anytime soon, I have laike 50 java fern Im about to throw out.

Oh well...