Bolbitis heudelotii Narrow Leaf | African Water Fern
African Water Fern
Scientific Name: Bolbitis heudelotii
Common Name: African Water Fern, Elegant Water Fern, Creeping Fern, Congo Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii, commonly known as the African Water Fern, is a popular choice among aquascapers and botanical method aquarium enthusiasts for its slender, lace-like fronds and green color. Native to the tropical regions of Africa, this slow-growing plant can thrive in tinted water when provided with a full-spectrum aquarium light.
This hardy plant is perfect for attaching to driftwood or rocks, making it a versatile option for hardscape-dominant ecosystems. Bolbitis heudelotii prefers low to moderate lighting and does best in soft, slightly acidic water. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to adapt to various tank conditions make it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike.
Caring for Bolbitis heudelotii in Blackwater Aquariums
Care Level: Easy
Light: Low
Co2: Not Needed
Tint Tolerance: Low to Medium
Origin: Africa
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. Our blackwater aquarium plants are provided by H2OPlants in adherence to their Shipping and DOA Policies. Your curated selection will arrive in their packaging separate from your botanical & merch orders.
Bolbitis heudelotii Narrow Leaf | African Water Fern
contrast the tint with greenery
While the aesthetic appeal of tinted waters can be quite attractive to us, the recreation of nature—which includes both submerged and emersed plants—is the end goal. Flora helps to improve water conditions, feeding patterns, spawning displays, and territory building.
Aquatic Plant FAQs
DOA Policy
Please ensure that you add a heat pack or cold pack to your orders if temperatures in your area are above 90°F or below 40°F. Click for more info on our DOA Policy.
Are these plants duckweed and snail free?
All Plants may contain snails or snail eggs, small macroinvertebrates, and duckweed. We keep them in all of our tanks for the benefits they provide. We have experienced the presence of small snails, ostracods, daphnia, and beneficial detritus worms.
Are your plants only for tinted water conditions?
Nope! All of our plants will grow perfectly in untinted aquariums that have CO2 and aquasoils, or low-tech planted aquariums. Our selection, though, is optimized for emersed plant growth and low- to medium-tinted water environments.
What is your aquatic plant shipping schedule?
We’re a small company and ship Tuesdays & Thursdays only. Orders placed Wednesday–Sunday → Ship Tuesday. Orders placed Monday–Tuesday → Ship Thursday
Are your plants just for bettas?
Nope. Our aquatic plants are safe for almost all aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. Many of our plants can be grown emersed in filter compartments, vivariums, or incorporated into wabikua.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are natural compounds released by leaves, seed pods, and bark as they decompose in water. They soften water, gently lower pH, and create the characteristic tea-stained tint found in blackwater habitats. But their role goes far beyond color—tannins fuel beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, which form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They also offer mild antifungal benefits and help reduce stress in fish by replicating the natural conditions they’ve evolved in. At their core, tannins are plant-derived antioxidants that connect your aquarium to the same processes at work in wild flooded forests and streams.