Java fern is also valued for its rich green color. The plant, which comes from Southeast Asia, can also be easily cultivated in an aquarium. Even beginners can hardly make a mistake that the fern will not forgive. Then how can brown leaves come about?
Why is my Java fern turning brown and what can I do?
Java fern turns brown due to natural aging, lack of nutrients (iron, potassium, magnesium), inadequate water quality or lack of light. Check water parameters, fertilization and lighting conditions to correct the problem and optimize the care conditions accordingly.
Signs of aging
The leaves of this plant also age and are therefore limited in their existence. That's not a big deal, because lots of new leaf fronds grow at the same time. So if old leaves turn brown, there is no need to worry. You can simply cut them off and remove them from the water.
Leaf holes and spots
Small leaf holes and black spots are occasionally reported, which apparently have nothing to do with the normal aging process. As it progresses, the leaves turn brown.
Even among experienced aquarium owners there seems to be no clarity about what causes brown leaves. We therefore assume and experiment until there is an improvement. The living conditions and care of the fern are put to the test.
Check nutrient supply
Iron, potassium and occasionally magnesium deficiency (€8.00 on Amazon) is suspected to be the cause. Measure these values and add the missing element to the water. But also adjust future fertilization accordingly.
Change water regularly
Opinions differ here too. Fresh, clean water is said to have a beneficial effect on the vitality of the plant, say many aquarium owners. Others, however, have no problems if the water is only changed every four weeks. To be on the safe side, you can make changes and find out for yourself whether this solves the problem with brown leaves.
Optimize other important water parameters such as water hardness and Co2 content.
Other possible causes
- Lack of light
- Change of location/move to a new pool
Tip
Make sure that the rhizome of the plant is surrounded by water, this is the only way it will thrive. Therefore you are not allowed to plant the Java fern. Instead, you should tie it to a stone or root.
