Description
Bolbitis heudelotii
Price for small, medium and large rhizome with 5 to 10 leaves, grown submerged.
- Small – Approx. 5 leaves 6cm long
- Medium – 5 to 8 leaves 10cm long
- Large – 5 to 8 leaves 12-18cm long
Overview
The African water fern, Bolbitis heudelotii, is a beautiful, time-tested aquatic fern with transparent bottle green pinnate fronds. It has a wide distribution across tropical Africa, growing attached to rock along the mean waterline of fast-flowing waters, partly together with Anubias species. Also under aquarium conditions, Bolbitis heudelotii attaches itself to solid objects by its blackish roots, but it will also grow when it is fastened to the substrate surface. Just make sure you do not cover the rhizome as it might otherwise rot away.
Growth is sped up a lot by the addition of CO2 and fertilisation via the water column. Bolbitis heudelotii develops best in soft, slightly acidic water, however, it is a relatively undemanding plant and will also grow in medium-hard water. The plant has a low light demand but also thrives with intense lighting when a good nutrient and CO2 supply is provided. This fern is easy to propagate: Simply cut the creeping rhizome. When the bush has become too large, Bolbitis heudelotii tolerates hard pruning.
Care Requirements
Lighting:
Low to medium. High light may cause algae growth on fronds.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68–79°F (20–26°C).
- pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH).
Substrate:
Does not require substrate; attach to driftwood, rocks, or decor using fishing line, glue, or thread until roots anchor.
Nutrients:
Low nutrient demand. Liquid fertilizers with iron and micronutrients enhance growth, but avoid over-fertilization to prevent algae.
CO2:
Not required but benefits from low to moderate CO2 supplementation (5–15 ppm) for faster growth.
Tank Requirements:
Prefers moderate to strong water movement, mimicking its natural riverine habitat.
Planting and Propagation
Planting:
- Do not bury the rhizome in substrate, as it may rot. Secure the plant to hardscape using non-toxic aquarium glue, fishing line, or cotton thread. Position the rhizome horizontally to allow fronds to grow upward and roots to grip the surface.
Propagation:
- Propagate by dividing the rhizome. Use a clean, sharp blade to cut a healthy section with at least a few fronds and roots. Attach the new segment to a separate hardscape piece. Ensure cuts are clean to avoid rot, and monitor water quality during establishment.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Trim dead or yellowing fronds with scissors to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Avoid cutting the rhizome.
- Cleaning: Gently rinse fronds during water changes to remove debris or algae. Avoid strong water jets that could damage delicate leaves.
- Monitoring: Check for rhizome health; a firm, green rhizome indicates a healthy plant. Brown or mushy rhizomes suggest rot, often due to poor water quality or buried rhizomes.
- Water Changes: Perform regular 20–30% water changes weekly to maintain stable parameters and prevent nutrient buildup.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Slow Growth: Bolbitis heudelotii grows slowly, especially in low-tech setups, requiring patience.
- Algae Growth: Susceptible to algae in high light or nutrient-rich water.
- Rhizome Rot: Improper planting (burying the rhizome) or poor water quality can cause decay.
- Melting: New plants may shed leaves during acclimation due to parameter shifts.
Tips:
- Use a low-light setup or shade the plant with taller species to reduce algae.
- Ensure good water flow to mimic natural conditions and deter debris buildup.
- Acclimate slowly (over 1–2 weeks) when introducing to a new tank to minimize melting.
- Combine with fish like shrimp or small tetras that won’t damage fronds. Avoid herbivorous species like silver dollars.
- If growth stalls, test for iron deficiency and dose a liquid fertilizer sparingly.
Recommendation
- Tank Setup: Ideal for low-tech or high-tech aquariums, especially aquascapes aiming for a natural, biotope-inspired look. Pair with Anubias, Java Fern, or Bucephalandra for a cohesive hardscape.
- Companions: Works well with small, non-aggressive fish (e.g., neon tetras, rasboras) and invertebrates like cherry shrimp, which help clean fronds.
- Placement: Use as a midground or background plant. Attach to driftwood or rocks in areas with moderate flow for best growth.
- For Beginners: Suitable for beginners due to low maintenance, but patience is needed for growth. Start with a healthy specimen from a reputable source.
