Description
Ferns belong to the early land plants in evolution. Their primitive appearance adds a natural character to any underwater landscape. Like the Asian fern Microsorum, the African Congo fern Bolbitis heudelotii is very popular due to many positive characteristics: it is easy to care for, undemanding and slow growing. Its transparent green, pinnate leaf fronds stand out in great contrast to the dark color of the mangrove root. This creeping rhizome plant thrives particularly well in moving water – just as it does in its natural habitat in fast-flowing rivers and streams.
Plant Profile
Genus:
Bolbitis
Species:
heudelotii
Family:
Dryopteridaceae
Origin:
Africa
Light:
medium
Temperature:
22-28°C
Growth rate:
slow
Area:
On wood or rock
Height:
up to 50 cm
pH:
5-7
Water hardness:
soft to slightly hard
Co2:
20-30 mg/l
Propagation:
rhizome division
Bolbitis Heudelotii: African Water Fern in SG Tanks
The Congo or African water fern is a hobby favourite for good reason, offering translucent green pinnate fronds that bring a primitive, jungle character to a scape. We rate it as easy and undemanding, growing slowly enough to stay manageable in nano and mid-sized tanks while building into an impressive textured mass over months. Its fronds look especially dramatic set against dark driftwood, which is why so many West African and jungle layouts lean on it.
Bolbitis is an epiphyte with a creeping rhizome, so attach it to wood or rock and never bury the rhizome in substrate, which will rot in our warm tap water. It particularly loves moving water, mirroring the fast streams of its native habitat, so position it where the filter return creates flow across the fronds. Steady current also keeps detritus from settling on the leaves and discourages algae. Soft, slightly acidic water and modest light suit it well.
For a complete reference see our Bolbitis heudelotii care guide, and for splitting it as it spreads read Bolbitis propagation. Pair it with other species in our epiphytes range.
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