Bolbitis Heudelotii

Bolbitis Heudelotii - Congo fern

This slow growing fern originates from Africa and grows both above and below water. This makes the Bolbitis also suitable for paludariums.

The leaf of the Bolbitis Heudelotii has a transparent dark green colour with a firm structure. The plant can, under the right conditions, grow to more than 40cm wide and high.

The Bolbitis Heudelotii adapts fairly easily to any aquarium, but prefers soft water with a somewhat lower PH value. CO2 is not a requirement, but will certainly do good for growth, color and compactness.

Never plant the Bolbitis with its rhizome in the (nutrient) soil, this is to prevent rotting. This species should always be placed above the ground. You can do this by tying or gluing the Bolbitis to wood or stone, for example. When the plant has rooted itself to the object, you can remove the wire with which it is tied.

It is possible to split the rhizome or cut off a shoot, in order to propagate the plant in this way. Please note that both parts have at least 3 leaves and that there is root growth, this to ensure that both parts are 'strong' enough to continue growing.


Place in the aquarium: middle & back zone
Max height of the plant: 50 cm
Temperature: 18-28ºC
pH: 5.0-7.0
KH: 0-12
Co2: 10 to 40mg/l

Light: normal to high
Origin: West Africa
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Dutch names: Congo fern, African fern, glass fern