Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis'

Mini Bolbitis, El Nino Fern, Asian Water Fern, Baby Leaf Fern

Moderate careSemi-aquaticNon-toxic5–15 cm

A miniature creeping fern with delicate, finely divided fronds that form a low-growing carpet. The 'Difformis' cultivar comes from the Philippine island of Negros and stays compact at just a few centimetres tall. It grows equally well submerged in aquaria or in high-humidity terrariums, attaching to rocks and wood via a creeping rhizome — a horizontal stem that anchors the plant as it spreads.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Mini Bolbitis image

Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers very high humidity, low light, with 18–27 °C, and reaches 15 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Very high (80%+)(preferred)High (60–80%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
18°C – 27°C

Soil

Sphagnum mix(preferred)Moisture retentivePeat moss

Moisture

Wet(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

6 – 7

Propagation

Split the horizontal rhizome into sections, each with at least 2–3 fronds attached. Place on hardscape or moist substrate. New growth appears within a few weeks.

Native range

Native to China, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China, Malesia, Papuasia, Southwestern Pacific, and Northwestern Pacific.

Appearance

Growth habit

Creeping

Leaf shape

Compound

Leaf texture

FineFeathery

Frequently asked

Can Mini Bolbitis grow in a closed terrarium?

Yes. Mini Bolbitis prefers very high (above 80%) humidity, which is what a closed terrarium provides, and tolerates shade-tolerant conditions.

Does Mini Bolbitis need drainage?

Mini Bolbitis prefers a wet substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Mini Bolbitis need?

Mini Bolbitis does best in very high (above 80%) humidity.

Is Mini Bolbitis pet-safe?

Mini Bolbitis is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does Mini Bolbitis grow?

Mini Bolbitis typically reaches 5–15 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Mini Bolbitis?

Mini Bolbitis can be propagated by rhizome division or spores.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6