Bolbitis heudelotii

African Water Fern, Congo Fern, African Fern

Moderate careSemi-aquaticNon-toxic15–50 cm

A creeping African fern from tropical river systems, where it grows attached to submerged rocks and driftwood in fast-flowing, shaded streams. In an aquarium it produces translucent, deep-green pinnate fronds that wave gently in the current; in a paludarium it can grow emersed above the waterline, where the fronds become stiffer and more opaque but the plant remains architecturally striking. It does not root into substrate — the rhizome must be tied or glued to a piece of hardscape — and it is sensitive to hard or alkaline water, which causes the leaves to dissolve. It does best at 22–26 °C in soft, slightly acidic water with low to medium light.

Build a terrarium with this plant
African Water Fern image

Photo by Zaire·CC BY-SA 4.0

Care

Prefers very high humidity, low light, with 20–28 °C, and reaches 50 cm at maturity.

Light

Shade tolerant(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

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

Temperature

20°C30°C40°C
20°C – 28°C

Soil

Rocky(preferred)

Moisture

Wet(preferred)Moist

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Propagation

Use a sharp, sterile blade to cut the rhizome into sections, each with at least 2–3 healthy fronds attached. Tie each section to a piece of driftwood or rock using cotton thread or thin fishing line; the thread dissolves or can be removed once the roots have gripped the surface, usually after two to three weeks. Avoid disturbing newly attached sections — the rhizome is sensitive to movement during re-establishment.

Native range

Native to West Tropical Africa, West-Central Tropical Africa, Northeast Tropical Africa, East Tropical Africa, South Tropical Africa, and Southern Africa.

Appearance

Growth habit

CreepingClumping

Leaf shape

CompoundToothed

Leaf texture

SmoothLeathery

Frequently asked

Can African Water Fern grow in a closed terrarium?

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

Does African Water Fern need drainage?

African Water Fern prefers a wet substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does African Water Fern need?

African Water Fern does best in very high (above 80%) humidity.

Is African Water Fern pet-safe?

African Water Fern is considered non-toxic to common household pets.

How tall does African Water Fern grow?

African Water Fern typically reaches 15–50 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate African Water Fern?

African Water Fern can be propagated by rhizome division.

References

  1. 1

    Kew Plants of the World Online — Bolbitis heudelotii

    https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17366050-1
  2. 2
  3. 3

    Aquasabi — Bolbitis heudelotii care

    https://www.aquasabi.com/Bolbitis-heudelotii
  4. 4
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