My java ferns are browning

[NoelFae]

I have about three types of java in my tank, trident, regular and swordtail (? I'm not sure about that one?)

The inside of one of my tridents is turning really brown

I am a tragic plant keeper in general so idk if it's dying or needs more or less light or what?

Any tips for my poor plants?

Kept in a 5.5 with a betta at 80 degrees
Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Ph is usually between 8 and 8.2
Nitrate 10-20

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170317/340e3fd8fe6998ed6a3052ce80d928d7.jpeg

[Silbar]

try to cut off the older brown leaves and see if that helps the overall plant. Your newer leaves look nice and green. It might also be a vitamin/element deficiency. See these charts...
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=aquarium+plant+deficiency+chart&id=F3BFDABD4A8738AF4C48B73B7DC770BEF22AA8E9&form=IQFRBA&first=1&cw=1588&ch=750

[NoelFae]

That's like a back corner of my tank, so I'm wondering if they just aren't getting enough light?

I bought the plant like that and it was all green when I got it, as far as I know there hasn't been any new growth on any of the plants [emoji850]

[angelcraze2]

It's a slow grower and low light plant. But you're right, it might need more light if it's really shaded. I noticed my fern did poorly when I moved it under an amazon sword, but it doesn't need direct lighting either and actually will grow algae if it gets too much. So it's hard to say. The new leaves start out curled; they uncurl into a leaf. As Silbar said, cut off the old yellow leaves close to the rhizome. The really yellow/transparent leaves might be detached already. But pruning old leaves helps the plant produce new healthy ones. Even the old leaves can shade the rhizome! I might pull it away a bit from the side of the aquarium, I think I see most of the browning on the shaded side facing the glass. Makes me think not enough light on that end.

[Slaphppy7]

Agree with Silbar, trim the brown leaves off at the base of their stems, and you'll get new growth

Buy a pair of long stainless steel plant shears

https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2/160-7372606-5952420?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=aquarium+plant+scissors