Best Fern Live Aquarium Plants of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Fern Live Aquarium Plants are a great addition to any aquarium. They provide a natural and vibrant look to the tank, while also providing a healthy environment for the fish. These plants are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They are also known for their ability to absorb excess nutrients and pollutants in the water, making them a great choice for keeping the tank clean and clear. With a variety of species available, there is a Fern Live Aquarium Plant to suit every aquarium and personal style.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Marcus Fish Tanks - Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Easy Low Light Live Aquarium Plant - Buy 2 Get 1 Cover #TOP 1
Marcus Fish Tanks - Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Easy Low Light Live Aquarium Plant - Buy 2 Get 1
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus and Anubias VAR Nana Bundle Cover #TOP 2
Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus and Anubias VAR Nana Bundle
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Java Fern and Anubias Bundle - Generic Cover #TOP 3
Java Fern and Anubias Bundle - Generic
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Fern Live Aquarium Plants

#TOP 1

Marcus Fish Tanks - Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Easy Low Light Live Aquarium Plant - Buy 2 Get 1

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Marcus Fish Tanks - Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Easy Low Light Live Aquarium Plant - Buy 2 Get 1 Cover
Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Easy Low Light Live Aquarium Plant - Buy 2 Get 1

Marcus Fish Tanks Java Fern is a live aquarium plant that is perfect for low light conditions. This plant, scientifically known as Microsorum Pteropus, adds a touch of greenery to your aquarium while also providing a natural habitat for your fish. With a size ranging from 5-12 inches, these plants are a great addition to any tank. Marcus Fish Tanks guarantees live arrival, and if a plant arrives dead, they will replace it once verified. When it comes to care, simply place the Java Fern on a rock, wood, or structure and secure it with thread. The partial sunlight exposure of this plant ensures it thrives in various lighting conditions. Enhance the beauty of your aquarium with Marcus Fish Tanks Java Fern.

What We Like
Low light aquarium plant
Live arrival guarantee
Easy to care for
#TOP 2

Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus and Anubias VAR Nana Bundle

Big Pete's Aquatics
B094
Green
Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus and Anubias VAR Nana Bundle Cover
Java Fern and Anubias Aquatic Plants Bundle

This bundle includes 1 Java Fern and 1 Anubias Var Nana live plants, perfect for low light freshwater aquariums. During extreme weather, avoid ordering live plants to prevent temperature damage.

What We Like
Includes two different types of live aquatic plants
Suitable for low light freshwater aquariums
Plants are beginner-friendly
#TOP 3

Java Fern and Anubias Bundle - Generic

Generic
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Java Fern and Anubias Bundle - Generic Cover
Java Fern and Anubias Aquarium Plant Bundle - Live Freshwater Plants for Aquascaping, Low Maintenance, Easy Beginner-Friendly Decor for Fish Tank

The Java Fern & Anubias - Generic bundle is an excellent choice for beginners looking to enhance their aquariums. These plants are easy to care for, thriving in low to medium light without the need for complex CO₂ setups. You can place them anywhere in your tank, whether attached to driftwood or allowed to grow naturally. They are safe for all aquatic pets and contribute to a healthier environment by improving water quality. With their unique leaf shapes and vibrant colors, these plants will add visual interest to your aquarium, making it a more appealing space.

What We Like
Low maintenance care
Safe for aquatic pets
Versatile placement options
Enhances aquarium aesthetics
#TOP 4

Marcus Fish Tanks Java Fern Plants

Marcus Fish Tanks Java Fern Plants Cover
Marcus Fish Tanks - 3X Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Easy Live Aquarium Plants Aquatic Fish Tank Plants

Marcus Fish Tanks Java Fern Plants are live aquatic plants that are perfect for your aquarium. These Java Fern plants, also known as Microsorum Pteropus, come in a range of sizes, typically 7-12 inches. They are guaranteed to arrive alive as long as you don't order them when temperatures are expected to go below 20F. If a plant arrives dead, simply send a clear photo of the plant in the unopened bag and it will be replaced. Marcus Fish Tanks is known for their fast response and shipping of happy, healthy plants. If you have any questions or concerns, their customer service is always ready to help.

What We Like
Live arrival guarantee
Fast response and shipping
Variety of sizes available
#TOP 5

Java Fern Bare Root - Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant

Java Fern Bare Root - Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant Cover
Java Fern Bare Root | Microsorum Pteropus - Low Light Freshwater Aquarium Plant

Java Fern Bare Root is a live aquarium plant that provides natural resting and hiding places for smaller fish and invertebrates. It is approximately 6-8" in height and is a great and easy way to attach Java fern to driftwood, rocks, etc. It is perfect for aquariums of any size, making your fish tank look natural and beautiful. However, please note that during times of extreme weather, live plants will suffer due to temperatures.

What We Like
Provides natural resting and hiding places for smaller fish and invertebrates
Great and easy way to attach Java fern to driftwood, rocks, etc
Perfect for aquariums of any size, making your fish tank look natural and beautiful
#TOP 6

5X Java Fern Live Aquarium Plant

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5X Java Fern Live Aquarium Plant Cover
5X Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus Looses Aquarium Live Plant for Fish Tank Decoration

The Java Fern Plant is perfect for both novice and experienced aquarists. With a size of 4 to 6 inches, it thrives in various water conditions, requiring minimal upkeep. This adaptability allows you to attach it creatively to driftwood or rocks, enhancing your tank's aesthetic. Additionally, its slow growth means you won't have to worry about frequent trimming, making it an easy addition to your aquarium setup. Enjoy a lush, natural look without the hassle of high maintenance.

What We Like
Easy to care for
Adaptable to various surfaces
Slow growth rate
Low light requirement
#TOP 7

PLANTEREST Microsorium Pteropus Java Fern

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PLANTEREST Microsorium Pteropus Java Fern Cover
Planterest - Microsorium Pteropus Java Fern Potted Live Aquarium Plant Tropical Freshwater Decorations BUY2GET1FREE

The PLANTEREST Java Fern Plant is a live aquarium plant that adds natural beauty to your freshwater tank. Each plant is potted and measures between 3 to 8 inches, giving you a healthy size to work with. You’ll appreciate that the plant arrives free from algae, pests, diseases, and snails, so you get a clean, healthy addition to your aquarium. Plus, if you live in an area with extreme weather, you can request a free ice or heat pack to keep the plant safe during shipping. The seller also guarantees the plant will stay alive for at least 7 days, offering a refund or replacement if it doesn’t.

What We Like
Healthy, pest-free plants
Size varies 3-8 inches
Free ice or heat pack
7-day survival guarantee
#TOP 8

CANTON AQUATICS Live Java Fern Mat

CANTON AQUATICS Live Java Fern Mat Cover
CANTON AQUATICS Live Java Fern Microsorum Pteropus on Mat Plant - Great for Modern Aquariums Provides Shelter to Baby Fish Fast Growth, Long Lasting & Easy Care Aquatic Plants Half Mat, Green

The CANTON Java Fern Mat is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that adds a natural touch to your aquarium. Its small, round green leaves bring a delicate and elegant look to your tank, making it visually appealing. This plant is ideal for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike because it requires very little maintenance, allowing you to enjoy a thriving aquarium without extra effort. Installation is simple thanks to its bare roots, which you can easily attach to rocks or driftwood in your setup. Plus, it provides a safe hiding place for baby fish, helping you create a more secure and comfortable environment for your aquatic pets.

What We Like
Natural elegant appearance
Low maintenance care
Easy to install
Safe shelter for baby fish
#TOP 9

SubstrateSource Live Aquarium Plants on Driftwood

Java Fern
Driftwood - Small
SubstrateSource Live Aquarium Plants on Driftwood Cover
SubstrateSource Live Aquarium Plants on Driftwood, Lava Rock, Moss Mat - Freshwater Fish Tank Plants (Java Fern, Driftwood (Small))

The SubstrateSource Driftwood Plants make decorating your aquarium easy and natural-looking. These live plants come already attached to driftwood, lava rock, or moss mats, so you can simply place them in your tank without extra work. This saves you time since you don’t have to attach plants yourself or buy additional decorations. You can arrange them wherever you need coverage, whether at the front, middle, or back of your tank, giving you flexibility in design. Plus, the driftwood provides helpful nutrients like tannins and lignin, which can support your fish’s digestion, making this a healthy and attractive choice for your aquarium.

What We Like
Pre-attached live plants
Time-saving setup
Flexible tank placement
Nutrient-rich driftwood
#TOP 10

SubstrateSource Java Fern Live Aquarium Plants

Java Fern
Pot - 1 Count
SubstrateSource Java Fern Live Aquarium Plants Cover
SubstrateSource Java Fern Live Aquarium Plants - Potted Freshwater Plant for Fish Tanks - Beginner Friendly, Low Light (Java Fern, 1 Pot)

SubstrateSource Java Fern is a popular live aquarium plant loved by all skill levels. Its bright green and pointed leaves can instantly transform a normal aquarium into a captivating aquascape, especially when complemented with driftwood and stones. This plant is easy to care for as it has low light requirements and does not need additional CO2, making it a great choice for beginners. The Java Fern comes in a 2" pot rooted in wool, which should be removed prior to planting. SubstrateSource ensures that each plant is inspected and ships in a healthy and stable condition, backed by a 100% dead-on-arrival replacement guarantee.

What We Like
Beginner-friendly
Instantly transforms aquarium
Low light requirements
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is fern OK for aquariums?

Common Name: Java Fern, Microsorum Pteropus Java fern is one of the most popular aquarium plants in the hobby due to its beauty and easy care.

2. Are ferns good for fish?

As a result, they pollute the water by the chemical reactions happening because of the decaying process. Your fish will most likely be in danger of either dying through suffocation or due to the acidic levels in the water. Either way, ferns can be very harmful to fish.

3. Are ferns aquatic plants?

As you have probably already gathered, these ferns live out their entire lives as floating aquatic plants. Their most obvious feature are the pairs of fuzzy green leaves borne on tiny branching stems. These leaves are covered in trichomes that repel water, thus keeping them dry despite their aquatic habit.

4. How do you plant a fern in a fish tank?

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Editor's Notes

During our fern live aquarium plant research, we found 24 fern live aquarium plant products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 43,682 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fern live aquarium plants list. We found that most customers choose fern live aquarium plants with an average price of $18.27.

The fern live aquarium plants are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fern live aquarium plants, including Big Pete's Aquatics, Marcus Fish Tanks, AquaLeaf Aquatics, PLANTEREST, CANTON AQUATICS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 799 consumers with an average rating of 4.1.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.