DIFFICULTY Easy–Moderate

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

LIGHT Moderate

Around 8 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

GROWTH Slow

Low trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About African Water Fern

A beautiful, slow-growing epiphyte fern with dark, translucent green leaves.

Bolbitis heudelotii is a fantastic alternative to Java Fern. It thrives in strong flow and requires attachment to hardscape.
Shrimp friendly Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground
Typical height6–16 in
Typical width8 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height18 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate
Photoperiod range6–10 hr
Approx. PAR15–80
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitModerate
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingVery Low
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandModerate
Iron demandLow
MicronutrientsLow
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–12 dGH
KH2–10 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Attach to hardscape
Hardscape: Can be attached to rock or wood.
Do not bury the rhizome. Keep the rhizome exposed to reduce the risk of rot.

Do not bury the rhizome.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Rhizome division

Acclimation

Easy to acclimate.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Prone to black beard algae in slow flow.