Introduction
Java Fern and Crested Java Fern are two popular aquarium plants from the same species and family, but there are a few differences you should know about before you decide which one to use for your aquarium. Java Fern and Crested Java Fern are both great additions to any aquarium, but understanding the differences between the two will help you decide which one is best for your tank. In this article, we will explain the differences between the two plants and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Appearance
The most noticeable difference between Java Fern and Crested Java Fern is their appearance. Java Fern has a classic fern look with long, narrow leaves that have a spade-like shape. Crested Java Fern, on the other hand, has a more unusual look with thick, wavy leaves that have a more rounded shape. The leaves of Crested Java Fern also have a unique cresting pattern that gives the plant a unique look. Both plants have a green color, but the leaves of Crested Java Fern are a bit darker.
Growth Rate
Another important difference between Java Fern and Crested Java Fern is their growth rate. Java Fern is a slow-growing plant and will take some time to reach its full size. Crested Java Fern, however, is a much faster-growing plant and will reach its full size much sooner. This makes Crested Java Fern a better choice for aquarists who want to quickly fill out their tank with plants. Java Fern may be a better choice for aquarists who don't want the tank to be filled out too quickly.
Care Requirements
The care requirements for Java Fern and Crested Java Fern are fairly similar. Both plants require low to moderate light and a low to moderate amount of fertilizer. They also both prefer soft, acidic water with a temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Crested Java Fern may be a bit more sensitive to changes in water parameters and may require more frequent water changes.
Propagation
Java Fern and Crested Java Fern can both be propagated by dividing the rhizome. The rhizome of Java Fern can easily be broken into smaller pieces and planted in the substrate. Crested Java Fern is a bit more difficult to propagate in this way since it has a thicker and more wavy rhizome. To propagate Crested Java Fern, the rhizome can be cut into smaller pieces and planted in a separate container to give the plant time to adjust to its new environment before being planted in the substrate.
Availability
Java Fern is widely available in pet stores and online, while Crested Java Fern is a bit harder to find. Since Crested Java Fern is a newer variety of Java Fern, many stores may not carry it yet. If you are looking for Crested Java Fern, you may have to look online or ask around for it.
Conclusion
Java Fern and Crested Java Fern are both great additions to any aquarium, but there are a few differences that you should be aware of before deciding which one to use. Java Fern is a classic fern with long, narrow leaves, while Crested Java Fern has a more unusual look with thick, wavy leaves. Java Fern is also a slower-growing plant, while Crested Java Fern is a much faster-growing plant. Both plants have similar care requirements, but Crested Java Fern may be a bit more sensitive to changes in water parameters. When it comes to availability, Java Fern is more widely available, while Crested Java Fern is a bit harder to find.
Final Thoughts
Java Fern and Crested Java Fern are both great plants for any aquarium, but understanding the differences between the two will help you decide which one is best for your tank. Java Fern is a classic fern with a slow growth rate and easy propagation, while Crested Java Fern has a more unusual look with a faster growth rate and more difficult propagation. Both plants are widely available, but Crested Java Fern may be harder to find. No matter which one you choose, both plants will add beauty and life to your aquarium.