Bolbitis Heudelotii (African Water Fern) - Potted

The African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) is the aquascaper's fern: deep translucent-green fronds with an intricately cut, almost lacework texture that no other aquarium plant matches. In the wild it clings to rocks in flowing West African streams, and in the tank it does the same, growing slowly into a dramatic, dark centerpiece attached to your hardscape. Unbothered by plant-eating fish and completely shrimp safe. Browse the rest of our live freshwater plants to build the scape around it.

Care Guide

• Attach, never bury: like anubias, the creeping rhizome rots if buried. Tie or super-glue it to driftwood or rock, or wedge it into a crevice; the wiry roots grip on their own within weeks.
• Give it flow: this is a river fern. Placing it where the filter output washes over the fronds keeps them clean, fed, and growing at their best.
• Light: low to moderate. Strong light on its slow fronds mostly grows algae.
• Water parameters: 68 to 80°F, pH 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers clean, slightly soft water and rewards good filtration.
• Fertilizer and CO2: water-column feeder; occasional Seachem Flourish helps. CO2 is optional but noticeably speeds up this famously patient plant.
• Transition melt: new plants often shed some fronds while adjusting. Leave the rhizome alone; fresh dark-green growth follows.

Specifications

Placement & Companions

Mount it at mid-height where flow reaches it, ideally framing driftwood so the dark lacework fronds contrast with brighter plants behind. It pairs naturally with fellow epiphyte Anubias Barteri for an all-hardscape scape that needs no substrate at all, and a nerite snail crew keeps the slow fronds algae-free. Safe with shrimp, bettas, and nearly every community fish; we also carry its compact cousin Mini Bolbitis in store.

Recommended Supplies

• Seachem Flourish water-column fertilizer
• Batman Nerite Snail frond-polishing crew

FAQ

Why is my new fern melting?
Bolbitis grown emersed at the nursery swaps its fronds for submerged ones after planting. As long as the rhizome stays firm and green, the plant is fine; new growth appears within a few weeks.

How slow is slow?
Expect a new frond every few weeks in low-tech tanks, faster with CO2. The payoff for patience is a plant that lives for many years and never outgrows its spot overnight.

Can I plant it in gravel?
Only with the rhizome sitting fully on top. It genuinely prefers being tied to wood or rock, which is also where it looks best.

Why are the fronds turning black or ragged?
Usually stagnant placement or dirty water. Move it into the flow path, step up water changes, and trim damaged fronds at the base.