Care Guide
Bolbitis heudelotii
Bolbitis Heudelotii
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Low to high
Growth Rate
slow
Growth Form
Spreading rhizome
Placement
Mid-background
True Aquatic
Does well in aquariums and also in humid terrariums
Available As
Bare root
About This Plant
Bolbitis heudelotii is an aquatic fern that is a recommendable aquarium plant. Bolbitis heudelotii takes a wide range of conditions from low to high light. Bolbitis heudelotii can be used in many places in the planted aquarium by attaching it to driftwood and rocks where its graceful, dark green foliage is extremely attractive. Bolbitis heudelotii is a native to Africa, but is cultivated here at Florida Aquatic Nurseries.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Bolbitis heudelotii
- Scientific name
- Bolbitis Heudelotii
- Family
- Lomariopsidaceae
- Native to
- Africa
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Prefers soft water will tolerate medium hard water. Otherwise undemanding
- Lighting
- Low to high
- Growth rate
- slow
- Growth form
- Spreading rhizome
- Placement
- Mid-background
- True aquatic
- Does well in aquariums and also in humid terrariums
- Available as
- Bare root
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. The rhizome is the green horizontal stem. Attach it to driftwood, lava rock, or stone with cotton thread or super-glue gel — burying the rhizome causes rot.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Best suited to paludariums, riparium displays, and pond margins rather than fully submerged community tanks.
Common Care Issues
Rhizome rot
The rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) must stay above the substrate. Buried rhizomes turn black and mushy within a few weeks. Tie the plant to hardscape or wedge it between rocks instead.
Algae outbreaks
High-light plants without matched CO2 and nutrient dosing reliably trigger algae blooms. If you can't run pressurized CO2, choose a lower-light alternative or accept some algae management.
Algae on old leaves
Slow growers accumulate dust and spot algae on older leaves. Wipe affected leaves with your fingers during water changes, and consider adding a few Amano shrimp or Otocinclus as cleaners.
Decline after a few months underwater
This species is not a true aquatic and slowly declines when permanently submerged. Move it to a humid emersed setup (paludarium, terrarium, pond margin) for several months to rejuvenate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Bolbitis heudelotii need?
Bolbitis heudelotii (Bolbitis Heudelotii) prefers low to high lighting. Plan on a high-output LED fixture combined with pressurized CO2 for the best color and form.
Does Bolbitis heudelotii need CO2?
Pressurized CO2 is strongly recommended at this light level — without it, algae will outcompete the plant.
Is Bolbitis heudelotii good for beginners?
Bolbitis heudelotii is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Bolbitis heudelotii grow?
Growth rate is slow. Be patient — visible new growth may take 3-4 weeks, but the plant is famously low-maintenance once settled.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Bolbitis heudelotii?
Best suited to paludariums, riparium displays, and pond margins rather than fully submerged community tanks.
Can Bolbitis heudelotii live fully submerged long-term?
No. Bolbitis heudelotii is not a true aquatic plant and slowly declines after a few months underwater. Use it as a temporary display piece in an aquarium, or grow it permanently in a paludarium, riparium, or pond margin where the leaves can reach air.