


Bolbitis heudelotii on Wood
Bolbitis heudelotii, also known as the African Water Fern, is a stunning, easy-to-care-for aquatic plant that brings a lush, natural look to freshwater aquariums. Native to West Africa, this plant is characterized by its deep green, feathery fronds, which create a graceful, flowing appearance in aquascapes. It is an excellent choice for low-tech setups, aquascaping enthusiasts, and beginner aquarists alike.
Unlike rooted plants, Bolbitis heudelotii should be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape elements rather than planted in the substrate. This allows it to spread naturally, forming beautiful, dense growth over time. It thrives in low to moderate lighting and prefers soft, slightly acidic water, but is highly adaptable to a variety of tank conditions.
Key Features:
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Size: Medium to large, with feathery, dark green fronds (up to 40 cm in height)
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Light Requirements: Low to moderate – prefers shaded conditions
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Growth Rate: Slow-growing, requiring minimal trimming
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Placement: Best attached to rocks, driftwood, or other hardscape – avoid burying the rhizome
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Care Level: Beginner-friendly, highly resilient
- Ideal For: Aquascaping, shrimp tanks, cichlid tanks, and low-tech setups
If you’re looking for a graceful, easy-to-maintain plant to enhance your aquascape, Bolbitis heudelotii is an excellent choice. Its slow-growing, flowing fronds add a lush, natural feel to any aquarium while requiring minimal upkeep. Perfect for beginner aquarists and aquascaping enthusiasts alike!

Plant Profile
Read about what makes the best conditions for your plant as well as giving you interesting information about where the plant is originally from.
Learn how to keep an aquariumBolbitis
heudelotii
Dryopteridaceae
Africa
medium
22-28°C
Slow
Middleground
up to 50 cm
5-7
soft to slightly hard
20-30 mg/l
rhizome division

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