- Rhizome plant
- Easy to medium (sources differ)
- Low–medium light
- CO₂: Not needed to recommended (sources differ)
African water fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Easy rhizome plant for low and medium light. It grows without added CO₂. It is used in the midground and background and grows attached to rock or wood. Growth is slow, and it is rated easy to keep.
Sources compared · 3 sources · Reviewed Oct 3, 2026
At a glance
- Plant type
- Rhizome plant Midground, Background, On rock or wood
- Light
- Low, Medium
- CO₂
- Not needed to recommended (sources differ)
- Difficulty
- Easy to medium (sources differ) Growth rate: Slow
- Height
- 4–8 in (10–20 cm)
- Water
- 68–82 °F (20–28 °C) pH 6–7.5
- Leaf color
-
- Green
- Propagation
- Rhizome division
- Botanical name
- Bolbitis heudelotii
In the tank
Our sources don't record anything else about this plant in the tank.
Origin
Native to Africa
Sources
Where to buy
Prices rechecked dailyAll photos
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African water fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) frond growing submerged in an aquarium -
African water fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) fronds in a botanical garden display
Questions
Does African water fern need strong light?
African water fern grows in low or medium light.
Does African water fern need CO₂?
No. African water fern grows without added CO₂.
Where does African water fern go in the tank?
African water fern is used in the midground, background, and on rock or wood.
