African Water Fern

African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) originates from the fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers and streams of Central Africa. Its deeply pinnate, semi-transparent dark-green leaves have a distinctive metallic sheen under good lighting that few other aquarium plants can match. It must be attached to hardscape rather than planted in substrate, and benefits from moderate flow and CO2 injection to achieve its full, breathtaking potential.

Light: low to medium light; bright light with CO2 produces metallic, translucent leaf quality. CO2: beneficial; CO2 injection is strongly recommended for reliable growth. Attachment: tie rhizome to driftwood or rock with cotton thread; never bury the rhizome in substrate. Trimming: remove old or yellowing fronds at the base; the rhizome grows forward slowly. Growth: slow; propagate by dividing the rhizome into sections each with several fronds.