Peacock Fern and "Crested" Java Fern?

[LebronTheBetta]

I bought these 2 plants from Petco. I JUST found out that Peacock Fern isn't aquatic and now, my parents won't return it. Fine, waste your money. See if I care. That's what I thought in my mind. What am I supposed to do? I guess I'll have the Fern as my "Aquatic" plant that's not supposed to be in my tank. I'm searching up the "Crested" Java Fern now. Thoughts? I'm so annoyed...

[LizzyP]

Well, if you put something that isn't aquatic in your tank, it's going to rot and make a huge mess. I suggest not putting it in your tank.

[Olympia]

I think crested java fern is the same as windelov java fern. Which is same care.
For the peacock fern, you can try finding a way to have it's top half stick out of the water?

[BettaQi]

Or you can make a riparium thing and hang it on the side of the tank sticking out so it's roots won't rot.

[LebronTheBetta]

Originally Posted by LizzyP

Well, if you put something that isn't aquatic in your tank, it's going to rot and make a huge mess. I suggest not putting it in your tank.

I know! My parents believe that Petco are "Pet Care Professionals!".

Originally Posted by Olympia

I think crested java fern is the same as windelov java fern. Which is same care.
For the peacock fern, you can try finding a way to have it's top half stick out of the water?

I think I can do that, can't it float? Just an idea.

Originally Posted by BettaQi

Or you can make a riparium thing and hang it on the side of the tank sticking out so it's roots won't rot.

Uh, what? So the roots have to stay out of the water?


And, I have 1 more question. Can the Java Fern get planted under gravel? I heard they don't care.

[LittleBettaFish]

You can't bury the rhizome of the java fern, only the roots. Best method is to either superglue or tie it down to a piece of wood/rock.

[LebronTheBetta]

Er, OK. Do you have any idea on how to keep my Peacock Fern at the surface but still in the water? Does it even help with the ammonia at all? :/

[LittleBettaFish]

I would assume you could purchase a plastic shower caddy, fill it with gravel or soil etc. put the fern into this and then put it in the tank so only the roots of the plant were in the water.

Otherwise, just stick it in a pot and enjoy it as a house plant.

[LebronTheBetta]

I think I'll just have it as a house plant. I was about to buy Amazon Swords but my dad and mom wanted the Peacock Fern. -_- Thank you for your ideas, I really need to have more knowledge on plants!

[LittleBettaFish]

No worries.

A lot of plants you see stores selling as aquatic are really only semi-aquatic at best.

What makes it even more difficult, is that the emersed form of aquatic plants can sometimes be completely different from the submersed form. Because it is usually faster to grow plants emersed, stores will often sell them like this without making note of it anywhere. Then when the plant dies back during the initial transitioning period, the customer either feels like they are a failure at growing plants or believes they have been sold something unsuitable for aquaria life.