Trichomanes javanicum - care question

flatsco

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Scott
OK, so I was in Petco the other day, and I noticed those live "aquatic" plants in the clear plastic tubes, specifically one labeled 'Aqua Fern' (Trichomanes javanicum). I thought to myself, "Self, that is very attractive-looking plant over yonder, and it would look nice in our terrarium. Plus it's on sale. Boo-yeah." So, after a very short self-debate, I talked myself into buying the plant, and went home and promptly planted it underwater.

Then I did my research.

It seems every plant site/forum/mailing list in existence says exactly the same thing: it is not an aquarium plant and will slowly die and rot if kept underwater. (Well, shucks) Unfortately, I have yet to find any sort of care guide.

Not wanting it to die, I planted on my land area. The next morning, it was rather dry and shrivelled. (Well shucks... again)

I pulled it out and put it in a container of water (only half-covered, and on its side, since I was in a hurry). When I got back from work, the leaves under the water were back to their original state, but the leaves out of water were still dry and shrivelled. (I am so confused)

I have since re-planted it underwater, and it is looking better again, but (still) don't want it to die. Does anyone have any experience with this plant they can share?
 
I haven't grown this plant in an aquarium so I can't say how it will do there, but I do grow it in a couple of my dart frog terrariums. I keep the humidity in my terrariums between 85-95% and it grows great. I have noticed that when I let the humidity drop to around 60% it will start to dry up a little. I don't know what your humidity is at but you might wanna give that a shot and see if it helps.
 
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