African Water Fern (Bolbitis) care guide
Bolbitis heudelotii · Dryopteridaceae
African Water Fern (Bolbitis) (Bolbitis heudelotii) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to Tropical & southern Africa: from Senegal and Guinea east to Ethiopia and Kenya, south to Zimbabwe and northern South Africa. It needs medium light. Water temperature: 20°C – 27°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.0. Care difficulty: Moderate. Growth rate: slow.
How do you care for African Water Fern (Bolbitis)?
| Light | Medium (tolerates low light; shade it from very strong light) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Recommended (CO₂ markedly improves growth; it also loves strong flow) |
| Temperature | 20°C – 27°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Placement | Attached to wood or rock in the current, midground; never bury the rhizome |
| Growth | Slow |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
How do you trim and propagate African Water Fern (Bolbitis)?
Cut old or algae-covered fronds at the rhizome. Propagate by dividing the creeping rhizome into pieces with at least 3 fronds each.
What problems affect African Water Fern (Bolbitis)?
Rhizome rot and frond dieback when it is buried; stalled growth and algae on the slow fronds from weak flow, hard water or crowding.
How do you fix African Water Fern (Bolbitis) problems?
Tie the rhizome above the substrate, increase the current, keep the water soft and slightly acidic, give it space and add CO₂.
Where does African Water Fern (Bolbitis) come from?
Tropical & southern Africa: from Senegal and Guinea east to Ethiopia and Kenya, south to Zimbabwe and northern South Africa (on rocks and wood in fast rivers and streams) · Biotope regions: Africa.
Sources
- Bolbitis heudelotii (Bory ex Fée) Alston — Kew Plants of the World Online (via search listing)
- Bolbitis heudelotii — Wikipedia
- Bolbitis heudelotii — Tropica
- Bolbitis heudelotii – Kongo-Wasserfarn — Flowgrow Wasserpflanzen-Datenbank
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use African Water Fern (Bolbitis)?
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides