The popular java fern is a versatile and easy to keep plant, in nature it exists both submerged and on the banks of streams and rivers. The roots of the plant are designed to attach to hard surfaces such as rocks and wood and the same should be applied in the aquarium. Java fern adapts to most aquaria and requires little light although it is a slow-growing plant and older leaves may become tatty and blackened at which point they should be removed. Java fern contains chemical(s) which prevent most herbivorous fish from eating the leaves.