Heudelotii Bolbitis

A fern that keeps its leaves separate and distinct rather than forming the tangled growth that many aquatic ferns do. Bolbitis heudelotii comes from West African streams and rivers, where it grows attached to rocks and wood in shaded, slow-moving water. Each leaf is a dark, translucent green with a net-like vein pattern that is visible up close.

The rhizome creeps slowly across hardscape and must not be buried — like Java Fern, it rots if the rhizome is covered by substrate. It is best tied to wood or stone with fishing line or superglue until the roots take hold. Establishment is slow, often several weeks before new growth is visible, but once settled the plant is very stable and low-maintenance.

Moderate light and soft, slightly acidic water at pH 5 to 7 and 22 to 25 °C are the steady conditions it needs. CO₂ injection helps growth speed but is not required — the fern grows at a slow pace regardless. It does not need much iron or fertiliser either, which makes it useful in low-tech tanks where stem plants struggle.

The leaves are tough enough that plant-eating fish like silver dollars and some cichlids leave it alone, which is rare among aquatic plants. Propagation is by cutting the rhizome: each section with at least two leaves and some roots will grow into a new plant. It can also grow emersed in moist terrarium conditions.