Bolbitis hetroclita ‘difformi – LC114

Bolbitis hetroclita ‘difformis  is a stunning African water fern with pinnate fronds that are clear bottle green. 

It grows adhering to rock at the mean waterline of fast-flowing waters in tropical Africa, sometimes in association with Anubias species. 

Bolbitis Heudelotii uses its blackish roots to attach itself to solid objects in aquariums, although it will also grow while attached to the substrate surface. (Make sure not to cover the rhizome because it will rot otherwise.)

The emersed (terrestrial) variety of Bolbitis heudelotii is the most common. 

The emersed fronds have a distinct appearance from the submerged foliage, with blackish leaf tips or dots common.

Bolbitis heudelotii thrives in soft, slightly acidic water, but it’s a low-maintenance plant that can also thrive in medium-hard water.

The plant has a low light requirement, although it may flourish in bright light with good nutrition and CO₂ supply.

Bolbitis heudelotii has a creeping rhizome on which the leaves and roots grow, similar to Java fern (Microsorum pteropus) and Anubias. Its submerged leaves are single to double pinnate, translucent, and bottle-green, whereas its emersed leaves are single pinnate, matte green, and brittle. The plant as a whole is fragile.

Care Tips

• Bolbitis prefer to be placed in areas of an aquarium that experience higher flow rates.
• Do not make drastic changes to the aquarium. Unstable parameters will result in the melt and rotting of the aquarium plant.