how get java fern to grow tall?

[plah831]

i have read that java ferns can reach a maximum height of 10-12". all the javas i've had stayed at a shrimpy 4", about exactly the same height as when I bought them. they just put out new leaves to the side.

i have another java fern coming in the mail and i would like to know how to induce it to grow TALLER to actually attain its maximum height.

[reiverix]

I've got some about 15" but it's been growing for quite a while. It was originally in a high light tank where it does grow faster than in lower light. The narrow leaf java fern doesn't grow as tall IME.

[Star_Rider]

I think there are different forms of java fern.

I know there is a lace leaf and the more common narrow leaf.

I heard there is also a short broadleaf and a longer broadleaf.

I have two varieties in my tanks..the lace leaf which in my tank only gets to about 7"

I also have a longer narrow leaf that grows to 9-10" (so far)

all of my java's are creating new plants..the lace leaf (the oldest) has a lot of small plantlets forming on old dead leaves.

[plah831]

hmm, the description doesn't say exactly which type or species it is. it does say that it comes at 6-8" height, so it's probably the longer narrow leaf and not the compact one. i don't think it's lacy either. does the lacy one have holes in its leaves like lace swords?

the ones i've had in the past were probably the shorter kind, then.