Description
“Thor’s Hammer” typically refers to Microsorum pteropus ‘Thor’s Hammer’, an aquarium plant that is easy to grow and resembles the mythical hammer in its leaf shape. To grow it, attach it to hardscape like driftwood or rocks, ensuring the rhizome (the horizontal stem) is kept above the substrate to prevent rot.
Steps to Grow Thor’s Hammer Java Fern:
- Attachment: Use fishing line, thread, or aquarium-safe glue to attach the plant to a piece of driftwood, rock, or other aquarium hardscape. The rhizome must be kept above the substrate to prevent rot.
- Lighting: Thor’s Hammer thrives in low light conditions.
- Water Parameters: It can grow in a wide range of water parameters, but stable conditions are important to prevent “melting” and rotting.
- Substrate: While it doesn’t require substrate, if you prefer to plant it on the bottom, ensure the rhizome is exposed and not buried.
- CO2: While not required, CO2 injection can promote better growth.
- Propagation: Thor’s Hammer can be easily propagated by separating its rhizomes. You can also find plantlets developing on the edges of leaves, which can be detached and grown once they are large enough.
- Maintenance: Trim the plant occasionally and maintain consistent water quality.
You can watch this video to learn how to make Thor’s Hammer Mjolnir from cardboard:
Important Notes:
- Rhizome: The rhizome is crucial for the plant’s health; never bury it.
- Black Spots: The black spots on the underside of the leaves are normal reproductive organs (sporangia) and are not a sign of disease.
- Melt: Be aware that aquarium plants, including Thor’s Hammer, may experience a “melt” when first introduced to a new tank or when parameters change drastically.
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