African Water Fern

African Water Fern, also known as Bolbitis Fern, is such a cool plant if you're looking for something a little different from your typical Java Fern! These guys have beautiful deep green leaves with a delicate, almost lace-like appearance that adds a ton of texture to a planted aquarium.

Native to West Africa, the African Water Fern naturally grows attached to rocks and wood in flowing water. It's a great choice for aquascaping, especially if you're trying to fill in spaces around driftwood or give your tank a more natural look.

One of the best things about Bolbitis is that it's relatively easy to care for! It does well in low to medium lighting and doesn't require CO2, making it a great option for low-tech aquariums. It's a slow grower, so you'll need a little patience, but once it gets established, the results are definitely worth it!

African Water Fern Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Lighting Requirement: Low to Medium
• CO2: Not Required, but Beneficial
• Growth Rate: Slow
• Height: Commonly 4-8 inches, but can grow larger
• Tank Placement: Midground to Background
• Propagation: Rhizome Division
• Scientific Name: Bolbitis heudelotii
• Common Names: African Water Fern, Bolbitis Fern

How to Plant African Water Fern

Just like Java Fern and Anubias, African Water Fern should NOT have its rhizome buried in the substrate! The rhizome is the thick stem that the leaves and roots grow from. Burying it can cause the plant to rot.

Instead, attach your Bolbitis Fern to driftwood or rocks using aquarium-safe glue or thread. Over time, the roots will naturally attach themselves to the surface.

If your African Water Fern arrives in a pot, carefully remove the pot and any rockwool before adding it to your aquarium.

Please do additional research on your plant to ensure it remains healthy.

African Water Fern Care

African Water Fern is pretty low-maintenance once established. It prefers low to medium lighting and appreciates good water movement, similar to the flowing streams where it naturally grows.

While CO2 isn't necessary, adding it along with a quality liquid aquarium fertilizer can help encourage fuller, healthier growth. Since Bolbitis heudelotii is a slower-growing plant, it may take some time to really fill in.

You may also notice a few older leaves melting or dying back when the plant is first added to your aquarium. This can happen as it adjusts to its new environment. As long as the rhizome remains healthy, new growth can develop over time.

All plants may contain snails or snail eggs. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide.