Photo: w:User:Tsunamicarlos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
African water fern
Bolbitis heudelotii (Bory ex Fée) Alston
15–30 cm
Height in the aquarium
low to high
Light
medium
CO₂ needs
22–25 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- on hardscape, background, midground
- Propagation
- rhizome division, separating offshoots
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
This African fern bears divided leaves, dark green and translucent underwater. Its creeping rhizome clings to stones and wood in tropical streams. Paired with a root and mosses, it makes a midground stand reminiscent of river vegetation.
- Scientific name
- Bolbitis heudelotii (Bory ex Fée) Alston
- Classification
- Polypodiales › Dryopteridaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, southern Africa
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Tie the rhizome to the decor without burying it. Soft, slightly acidic water, a little current and CO₂ help it develop. Growth remains slow and the brittle foliage needs gentle handling. To propagate it, divide the rhizome into pieces each carrying several leaves.
Sources:Flowgrow Tropica GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth