Trident Java Fern, at nano scale. Leptochilus pteropus 'Trident Mini' keeps the narrow forked leaf that gives Trident its name — each blade splitting into finger-like lobes — but stops at 2–4 inches instead of 8 or more. In a small tank that difference is what makes it usable.
What You’ll Receive
Healthy, vibrant Leptochilus pteropus ‘Trident Mini’ cultivated and prepared by Aquarium Plants Factory®, available in multiple planting formats:
Bare-root Plants:
Approximately 3+ leaf portion, loose rhizome with some roots
Bunched Plants:
Approximately 3+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight
Potted Plants:
Approximately 3+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot
Plant Profile
- Common name — Trident Java Fern Mini
- Scientific name — Leptochilus pteropus 'Trident Mini' (syn. Microsorum pteropus)
- Placement — Foreground to midground, attached to driftwood, stone or décor
- Mature height — 2–4 in
- Growth rate — Slow
Care
- Difficulty — Beginner
- Light — Low to medium
- CO₂ — Not required
- Water — 68–82°F · pH 6.0–7.5
- Substrate — Not required. Attaches to hardscape
- Growth habit — Amphibious. Also grows emersed
- Propagation — Rhizome division, plus plantlets from mature leaves
Grower’s Notes
- Scale is the reason to choose Mini. Full-size Trident reaches 8 inches or more and overwhelms a nano layout. Mini gives the same forked silhouette at a size that keeps a small scape in proportion.
- Never bury the rhizome. Tie or glue it to wood or stone; buried rhizomes rot.
- Black spots on older leaves are usually plantlets forming, not disease. Let them root, then detach and attach elsewhere.
- Slow growth means very little maintenance, but damaged leaves stay damaged — trim them at the rhizome.
- Tough enough for tanks with fish that shred softer planting, despite the delicate look.
Want to go deeper? Read our complete Java Fern Care Guide.
Notes
- As a natural aquatic plant, slight variations in size, shape, and coloration may occur. Leaves may show minor transition as the plant adapts to your aquarium environment. This is normal, and new submerged growth will emerge under proper conditions.
- Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.
At a glance
- Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
- Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
- Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
- USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
- UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
- UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
- Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
- We ship within the United States only.
Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.
The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.
Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.
How it works
- Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
- Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
- We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.
Good to know
- Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
- Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
- Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.
The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.
Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.
Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.
Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.
This rare Java Fern variety receives unanimous praise for "awesome quality" and health. Customers noted plants arrive "perfectly packaged" with insulation, clean, and virtually algae-free. Ideal for nano tanks. Some mentioned it doesn't match display photos exactly but remain satisfied. Excellent customer service resolves issues promptly.
- Plants arrived on time, well packaged and virtually algae free!
- A beautiful plant! Its small scale works so nicely in my nano tank.
- Perfectly packaged, clean and healthy plants.
J
I've been looking at this Java Fern for a while, It doesn't really look like the display photo but I am still satisfied with this purchase. This is a pretty rare variety of Java Fern, glad to have it.
J
Awesome quality
D
Second time ordering from APF. This order included lots of different bucephalandra plants. I can't say enough positive things about the health and quality of the plants. Everything was clearly labeled and safely packaged, they even had insulated sheets to keep the plants warm during shipment. I'll definitely use them in the future.
J
Title says it all. I like to give my plants at least a month of growth before slapping a review down, and these bad boys have definiteily stood the test of time. Now I just need to wait for them to fill in and get thick!
D
They have a great variety of plants, arrived in great condition. They have very nice customer service which helped me out with my other order too.
S
Perfectly packaged, clean and healthy plants. I did not have to do much once I received them. I definitely purchase again.
A
The plants arrived in great condition. I would order again.
J
I’d been looking for this for a while. This is a rare find. As always, plants arrived on time, well packaged and virtually algae free!
In the event something’s not right, these guys go out of their way to make it right.
P
This plant is very difficult to find so I was skeptical about it being the true dwarf trident. It is and a beautiful plant! I'm so happy with it and its small scale works so nicely in my nano tank. Thank you!
Recommended for You
Frequently Asked Questions
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
!
