African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Also known as Bolbitis, African Fern, Creeping Fern, Congo Water Fern, Bolbitis Fern
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Polypodiales›Dryopteridaceae
📍 West Africa
Bolbitis heudelotii (African Water Fern) is a large, impressive aquatic fern from African rivers with deeply pinnate, translucent dark-green fronds that can reach 40–50 cm (15.8–19.7 in). Like Java Fern, the rhizome must be attached to hardscape and not buried. It thrives in moderate flow and benefits from soft water; hard, alkaline water stunts growth. Its bold, architectural texture makes it a dramatic midground to background accent plant.
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Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage delicate fronds and help maintain plant health
Gentle bottom-dweller that respects plants and prefers soft, slightly acidic water matching fern requirements
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the fern's rhizome
Beneficial algae cleaners that thrive in soft water and won't harm the plant
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements and attachment-based growth habit
Compatible fern species with identical rhizome attachment needs and low-light tolerance
Common Diseases
Rhizome Rot
Blackening or softening of the rhizome, mushy texture, foul odor, frond yellowing and deterioration
Improve water circulation and reduce organic waste; ensure rhizome is not buried in substrate; perform partial water changes; trim affected portions with sterile tools; consider adding aeration
Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard Algae)
Black or dark brown fuzzy coating on fronds, particularly on older leaves; reduced light penetration to lower fronds
Increase water flow around the plant; reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours daily; manually remove affected fronds; add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus; maintain nutrient balance to prevent algae dominance
Nutrient Deficiency
Pale or yellowing new fronds, stunted growth, translucent appearance fading, older fronds deteriorating faster than new growth
Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer weekly; ensure adequate macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium); add iron supplement for vibrant coloration; test water parameters and adjust based on results
Melt (Sudden Frond Loss)
Rapid deterioration and shedding of fronds after introduction to new tank, fronds becoming transparent and dissolving
Maintain stable water parameters (pH 5.5–7.0, soft water preferred); avoid drastic temperature fluctuations; ensure gradual acclimation over 2-3 weeks; maintain consistent lighting and fertilization; be patient as new fronds will regenerate
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Beneficial for healthy growth
- light
- Low to medium (20–70 PAR)
- placement
- Midground to background; attach rhizome to wood or rock
- substrate
- Not planted in substrate
- growth rate
- Slow
- propagation
- Rhizome division
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.0
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.