Is this growth, or death....

[joe schmoe]

Sorry for the stupid question, but I don't know how to recognize the difference yet. On the leaf in the middle, half is lighter and the tip is darker...that's good right??

Check out the algae

 

[Tempest]

re darker tip: That's the way my new leaves always look for a while. I believe that is just the way they grow.

 

[The Gipper]

That looks pretty normal for Java Fern. BTW, Java Fern does not have roots, but rhizomes instead. It does not (probably should not) be plnated in the gravel. I have seen the LFS displaying it that way for sale. It gets it's nutrients from the water. Let it float, or attach it to driftwood, etc.

 

[RTR]

As The Gipper said, Java Fern does not have roots, only holdfasts from the rhizome, and those serve no nutrient uptake function, they just hold the plant in place. Java Fern will do fine spreading over the gravel, but if you try to start it that way by burying the rhizome, it can rot. If you want it on the gravel, tie it to a flatish stone such that it is at gravel level, but the rhizome is not buried.

 

[joe schmoe]

Will do.

 

[anonapersona]

Small chunk of lava rock

A small chunk of lava rock is a great place to secure java fern, rough enough for it to hold quickly.