Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Bolbitis heudelotii
Common name
African water fern
Creeping fern
Congo fern
Origin
Origin: Africa (Congo)
Ideal fertilization
CO2: 10-40mg/l
Nitrates (NO3): 10-50mg/l
Phosphates (PO4): 0.1-3mg/l
Potassium (K): 5-30mg/l
Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5mg/l
Group
Lomariopsidaceae
Kind
Rhizome
Fern
Parameters
T°: 22 to 30°C or 72 to 86°F
pH: 5 to 7.5
Hardness: 1 to 15°dGH
Difficulty
Hard
Lighting
Strong
Size
40 to 60cm (16 to 24")
Plantation
Middle or background
Growth
Slow
Presentation
Who is the African water fern?
Presentation
Who is the African water fern?
Very beautiful fern originating from Africa and more precisely from Congo, from where it takes its French name. It is found naturally in rough waters with a strong current. It will therefore appreciate similar conditions in aquariums. To do this, subject it to a good current, for example by positioning it near the filter outlet.
It will be a perfect addition to an African Cichlid aquarium.
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the African water fern?
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the African water fern?
As far as the planting area is concerned, Bolbitis is quite adaptable. If you have other plants tall enough, it can be installed in the middle area of the aquarium. It can also be installed further back if on the contrary you have smaller plants. Another possibility: attach it to a rock or a root with a fishing line (you can remove it once the plant has hooked onto its support). Guaranteed effect!
If you have several feet, make sure you space them apart sufficiently. A healthy adult plant can grow to 15/20centimetres (6/8") in diameter. Therefore, keep the other plants at a sufficient distance from each other.
Intense lighting and CO2 diffusion are essential for good maintenance. The water should be slightly acidic.
Be careful when planting, do not bury the rhizome, as it may rot, causing the plant to die.
Farming
How to farm the African water fern?
Farming
How to farm the African water fern?
Cultivation is easy. Cut the rhizome into 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2") fragments and then replant them (or attach them to the decoration).
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Its colouring is closely linked to the luminosity it has:
- under strong luminosity (and with CO2 input): green is translucent
- under low light: the green is stronger but the plant develops less quickly.
Yours photos!
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