Java Fern Windelov

[Don H]

I just got this Java fern Windelov. Is the black on the leaves natural melting back or is there something wrong with it?

 I got it from co-op. The other plants seem okay. 

[Expectorating_Aubergine]

Seems like natural die back to me. Even the ones I grow emersed get that from time to time.

[Don H]

Thank you 

[Expectorating_Aubergine]

No prob bob

[Patrick_G]

Looks like natural die back to me too. It might take a while to get used to being grown underwater. Don’t be surprised if you lose 50-70% of the plant, just make sure it has nutrients and it’ll start growing new shoots. 
I have dozens off Java ferns of various varieties and it seems like at least I always have a few that are loosing leaves, or otherwise acting weird. 

[Jennifer V]

The first Java fern I bought went through a really ugly stage to the point where I thought I'd have to yank it out but it eventually came back and is doing really well now. One thing to note that I did learn is Java ferns are huge potassium hogs so you may want to eventually invest in something like Easy Green or Seachem potassium. 🌱

[Don H]

@Jennifer V thank you. I already have and dose with easy green and easy iron and easy root tabs, though I didn’t give root tabs to the Java ferns. I also got regular Java fern with this order and that one hasn’t melted yet. 

[Jennifer V]

On 11/25/2022 at 7:39 PM, Don H said:

@Jennifer V thank you. I already have and dose with easy green and easy iron and easy root tabs, though I didn’t give root tabs to the Java ferns. I also got regular Java fern with this order and that one hasn’t melted yet. 

Java ferns are water column feeders so you don't need root tabs for them. I would just continue to monitor the windelov and try to be patient with it. It might just be going through an ugly stage even though the other regular Java fern isn't. Plants are tricky. They kind of have their own minds just like the fish do. 

Edited November 26, 2022 by Jennifer V