African water fern

Quick facts

Max height

40 cm

Growth rate

slow

Difficulty

intermediate

Placement

midground

Propagation

rhizome division

Water parameters

Temperature

20–27°C

pH

5.5 to 7.0

Hardness

0 to 12 dGH

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

epiphyte

Feeding

feeds from the water column (use liquid fertilizer)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

safe with plant-eating fish (tough leaves or unpalatable)

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

fine - root system or attachment style handles it

Root-disturbing fish

tolerates fish that disturb roots

Habitat

Native to tropical West and Central Africa, found growing on rocks and submerged wood in fast-flowing forest streams and rivers from Guinea and Sierra Leone through Nigeria, Cameroon, and into the Congo basin. The species (Bolbitis heudelotii, commonly called African water fern) is a true aquatic fern with dark green, finely divided, translucent leaves that grow from a creeping rhizome. The mature fronds are pinnate (feather-shaped) and can reach 20–40 cm long, creating an elegant, lacy texture in the aquarium. The plant is a rheophyte, naturally adapted to fast current, and performs best in well-circulated aquarium water. It's one of the most visually refined aquarium plants when grown well.

Care notes

Attach the rhizome to driftwood or rocks using thread, super glue, or fishing line. Do not bury the rhizome in substrate; like Anubias and Java fern, burial causes rot. Low to moderate light is ideal. Under high light, the delicate leaves attract algae, especially if CO2 and nutrients are not balanced. Growth is slow to moderate, with new fronds unfurling from the rhizome tip every 1-3 weeks under good conditions. CO2 injection is beneficial but not required; it accelerates growth and produces larger, more finely divided fronds. Good water circulation is important because the plant naturally grows in flowing water and benefits from current that brings nutrients across the leaf surface and prevents detritus from settling on the fine leaf divisions. Water should be soft to moderately hard (GH 2-12) and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). Temperature: 22–28°C. Propagation: the rhizome can be divided, and some fronds produce adventitious plantlets at the leaf tips (similar to Java fern). Black leaves usually indicate poor conditions (too much light without CO2, or decomposing older fronds); trim them at the base. The species pairs well with other epiphytic plants (Anubias, Java fern, Bucephalandra) on a piece of driftwood to create a natural African biotope look. Temperature: 22–28°C. The dark green, finely textured fronds provide excellent contrast against lighter-colored plants and pale substrates. One of the best choices for a sophisticated, natural aquascape that doesn't rely on high-tech CO2 and lighting.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean