African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Dryopteridaceae
About
The African water fern is a slow-growing epiphytic fern from the fast-flowing rivers and streams of tropical West and Central Africa, where it clings to rock and driftwood in the current. Its dark green, finely divided and slightly translucent fronds bring a striking, feathery texture to the midground. Like Java fern, its creeping rhizome must be tied or glued to hardscape and never buried, and it rewards clean, well-oxygenated water with steady flow.
Care
Attach the rhizome to wood or rock and never bury it, provide low to moderate light with good flow and clean water, and be patient with its slow growth. CO2 is not required but noticeably improves growth and colour.
Diet
Draws nutrients from the water column through its fronds and roots; benefits from light, regular liquid fertiliser but tolerates lean tanks. Melting after a move usually reflects unstable parameters rather than starvation.
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Frequently asked questions
- What water parameters does a African Water Fern need?
- African Water Fern does best at 20–28 °C (68–82.4 °F), pH 5.5–7.2 and a general hardness of 3–12 °dGH.
- Where should African Water Fern be placed in the aquarium?
- African Water Fern works best attached to wood or rock, not planted in the substrate and reaches around 40 cm.
- Is the African Water Fern suitable for beginners?
- African Water Fern sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.