African water fern

Bolbitis heudelotii

Family : Dryopteridaceae

PlantFreshwaterepiphyte

African water fern is a demanding plant that requires good current and water quality.

African water fern — photo 1 sur 3 — w:User:Tsunamicarlos · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 3

Popularity

Easy plant

standard lighting, few requirements

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

West Africa

Rivières ouest-africaines : Niger, Congo, Cameroun.

Description

This fern has light green, finely divided leaves, giving a feathery appearance. It can reach 30-40 cm. It grows from a creeping rhizome. It is more delicate than Java fern. It requires moderate to strong current to prevent algae. Ideal for river-type aquariums.

Habitat

Region :

This fern grows in fast-flowing rivers, attached to rocks and roots in shaded areas. It prefers clear, well-oxygenated water.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature22–28 °C

pH6–7

GH2–8 °dGH

KH1–5 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 10 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.2 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

3/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

40 L

Min. group

Adult size

35 cm

Lifespan

5 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Division du rhizome ou bouturage des pousses.

Care notes

More demanding than Java fern. Temperature 22-28°C, pH 6.0-7.0, low hardness. Moderate light. Good current is essential. It appreciates CO2 and liquid fertilizers. Attach rhizome to rock or wood. Avoid planting in substrate. Can be challenging for beginners.

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