Java Fern Tips

[bobbdd]

I have some new Java Ferns growing in my apisto tanks. Some of the leaves (both new and old) tips seem to be translucent (or darkening sort of). Ph is 6.0, hardness is a GH/KH of 3-4. Water changes every week, 30%. Seachum plant fertilizer, 50% of directed amount.

Not dying or algae.....any thoughts?

 

[2la]

Normal. New leaves take on a glassy, translucent appearance until enough oxygen is produced to fill in the spongy middle layer between the upper and lower epidermes (-mi? -mises?...).

 

[tjudy]

Which Seachem fertilizer are you using? Your description can also be a mild case of chlorosis, which is usually caused by a need for iron. I suggest Flourish Iron.

 

[Eva32181]

Some of the leaves on Java ferns will get very dark, then start sprouting new baby leaves. You can remove these "parent leaves" from the plant and tie them to driftwood, thereby starting a new Java fern colony. They grow slowly, but you get free plants eventually.

 

[Orchid]

Beautiful tank, Eva, what is the ground cover in the October pictures? It looks like E. quadricostas(sp?).

 

[bobbdd]

I think I know

I think 2la was right. The new leaf's tips were darker then the rest of the leaf. They slowly lighten and match the rest of the leave. I'm not 100% sure it's the O2 in the leaf or nutrients I've added, but they are better. Any other thoughts?