Bobits heudelotii is a fellow fern of java fern and many others that help to beautify the tank. This Bolbitis fern is a friend of many aqua pets and helps to maintain the aquarium’s ecosystem.
In the following, you will learn about its distribution, growth requirements, and how to grow the Bolbitis aquarium plant. The difference between the two Bolbitis ferns is also part of the discussion. At almost ending, you’ll find the complete procedure regarding growing this aqua plant in the tank.
Bolbitis Heudelotii
Bolbitis heudelotii
Bolbitis heudelotii is among the famous aquarium plants. It’s commonly known as the African water fern. Congo fern and creeping fern are some other names of this species. Jean-Pierre Heudelot, a botanical explorer of West Africa, found it during his 1802–1837 exploration.
| Attribute | Description |
| Common Name | African Water Fern |
| Scientific Name | Bolbitis heudelotii |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Origin | Subtropical to tropical lands of Africa |
| Growing habitat | Submerged into water, attached with rocks and wood |
| Plant Type | Aquatic fern |
| Maximum Size | Up to 18 inches (45 cm) |
| Propagation | Rhizome division |
| Use cases | Decorating the fish tank |
| Ideal placement in the tank | Midground and background |
Distribution
They are distributed around the subtropical and tropical regions of Africa. Its habitat stretched from Ethiopia to Senegal and the Northern parts of South Africa. It ranges from light to dark green and grows like a creeping rhizome. These plants usually grow in submerged conditions in rivers and streams, attached to rocks and wood.
Growth Requirements
Bolbitis fern is a low-care plant. However, it requires the following water parameters for optimal growth.
| Parameter | Value |
| Lighting | 6-8 hours |
| Light intensity | 20 lumens/l |
| Water temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 5. – 7.5 |
| Water hardness | 0 to 12 ° dKH (Soft to slightly hard) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
Mini Bolbitis and Bolbitis Heteroclita Difformis
Mini Bolbitis and Bolbitis heteroclita Difformis are two variant of Bolbitis heudelotii. Here is the introduction to these plants.
Mini Bolbitis
| It’s a small leaf variant of Bolbitis heudelotii. Like the other ferns, i.e., java fern, Buce, and Anubias, don’t bury their rhizome. For hedge-like growth, replant or regrow the rhizome. It grows up to 2 to 4 inches in height and shows propagation along the rhizome.
Grow them under higher flow rate conditions. This Southeast Asian species requires a gradual change in water parameters instead of drastic changes. |
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Bolbitis Heteroclita Difformis
| This southeast Asian plant naturally grows alongside slow-moving water bodies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. This bright green plant can grow up to 15 inches high. Like mini Bolbitis, it grows on rock, driftwood, or decoration surfaces.
These delicate plants have fine lacework-like fronds that swim in the water’s surface. They are used to create a focal point in the middle or background of the tank. It takes time to grow, i.e., months or weeks, etc. So, be patient. |
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Is Bolbitis Heudelotii Easy to Grow?
Bobbitis Heudelotii is easy to care for. However, they are sensitive to water parameters. Therefore, provide them with the right environment and schedule the fertilizer application. Instead of burying the rhizome, attach it with driftwood, stone, or some tank decoration element with duct taps.
Why Bolbitis Heudelotti Leaves Turning Black?
There are many reasons why Bolbitis heudelotti leaves turning black. Here are some potential reasons that you need to consider. They’ll help you to avoid or cure this issue.
| Cause | Explanation | Cure |
| Water Hardness | The higher GH and KH cause stress on the plant, leading to older leaves turning black. | To avoid this problem, continuously check the water parameters. Restrict GH and KH 4-8 and 3-5 respectively. You can also soften your water by diluting it with non-chlorinated tap water or Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. |
| Nutrient Imbalance | The other potential reason behind these black leaves is nutrient imbalance. Higher concentrations of K2SO4 and KNO3 severely damage the plant leaves. | Apply liquid fertilizer to the plant with proper concentration of micronutrients, especially iron manganese, and macronutrients. Follow the appropriate fertilization schedule to keep your plant in better shape. |
| Light | Photosynthesis helps to keep the plant leaves green. They require a low to medium light intensity for proper growth. If the lighting is on for extended hours, it’ll cause stress, and leaves turn black. | Reduce the lighting hours to a lower limit, i.e., 8 hours, with low to moderate lighting. Moreover, inject CO2 with 2–3 bubbles per second rate for fast recovery. |
Bolbitis Aquarium Plant
How to Grow Bolbitis Heudelotii?
Growing a Bolbitis Heudelotii does not take much effort for optimal growth. However, it requires a specific procedure. Only create an environment in your tank that mimics its original habitat. Here’s how you can do it.
- Install low to medium-luminance light. If you have already installed a high-luminance light in the community tank, install shade for the plant.
- Set up the water parameters. Pay special heed to them, as Bolbitis heudelotii is sensitive to these water parameters.
- Install overhead or a canister filter for higher water flow and improved water quality.
- Acclimatize the plant with tank water. It can take a few weeks. So, be patient.
- There shouldn’t be any dead spots at the planting location.
- After acclimatization, transfer them into the tank. Instead of burying the rhizome, grow it on decoration, rock, or driftwood. Use duct tape, string, or cotton thread to attach to the surface.
- Maintain a consistent CO2 and moderately apply Seachem Flourish Excel once a week for optimal growth.
- Regularly trim the old, dried, and decaying leaves.
- If you observe any algae growth on the leaves, clean it with a soft brushor with your finger.
- Always grow them in a tank where fish don’t affect the plant.
Summary
Bolbitis heudelotii, or African water fern, is the tropical African ferns that grow along water bodies. They are easy to grow but sensitive to water parameters. Mini Bolbitis and Bolbitis Heteroclita Difformis are offshoots of this plant. Mini grows to 4 inches in height, while others grow to 15 inches.
An imbalance in Nutrient and light and water hardness can turn these Bolbitis fern leaves black. Follow the step-by-step procedure to enjoy their growth in your tank. However, remember to keep patience.
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