Encouraging java fern plantlets

[CT_]

So I read that if you see black spots on your java fern leaf you can cut it off and lay it face up and you'll get plantlets faster that way.

Mine don't have black spots yet but I have some ugly leaves that I was going to prune anyway.  If I cut them off can I do the same thing?  or will they just die and rot?

[Jungle Fan]

The plants will develop on the Java Fern whether you cut them, or not, however generally the black spots indicate the leaf is dying and the plant will create a new plantlet and the old leaf will turn yellow, and eventually brown. I generally prune yellow leaves out and the plantlets will come off so that you can place them in a plant grow tank until they are big enough to use and attach to rock, or wood. Don't forget to add fertilizer though for their growth. I have to admit that sometimes these plantlets get to be a nuisance though as they tend to come off and just float through the tank.