Bolbitis heudelotii
Bolbitis heudelotii, commonly known as the African Water Fern, is a beautiful, slow-growing aquatic fern that brings an elegant, flowing texture to freshwater aquascapes. Native to the rivers and streams of tropical Africa, it features delicate, lace-like green fronds that sway gently in the current, making it a favorite among aquascaping enthusiasts.
This plant thrives when attached to wood or stone, as burying its rhizome can lead to rot. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water with moderate flow and appreciates stable, clean conditions. While CO₂ and good lighting can promote more vigorous growth, it will still do well in low-tech setups with patience and care.
Ideal for midground to background placement, Bolbitis adds a natural, forest-like feel to aquariums.
Plant Info
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bolbitis heudelotii |
| Common Name | African Water Fern |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lighting | Low to Moderate |
| CO₂ Requirement | Not required, but encourages growth |
| Placement | Midground to background; attach to décor |
| pH Range | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Temperature | 68–80°F (20–27°C) |
| Propagation | Rhizome division |
| Care Level | Moderate |
The right plants
All plants are different and have different needs. Some require a lot of light, fertilizer and CO2. Others will thrive will almost no help. Tropica has made selecting plants easy for you. All Tropica plants are marked with patented symbols that inform you about the difficulty of the plants. This way you can easily overview and choose the right plants for your aquarium.
