TankBud

African water fern

Bolbitis heudelotii

Also known as Congo fern, Creeping fern

FreshwaterFernRhizome division

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Fern
pH
5.5–7.0
Hardness
0–12 dGH
Spread
11.8 in (30 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Water column
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Origin
Tropical West and Central Africa

Overview

African water fern is a slow-growing fern that lives on wood and rock rather than in the substrate. It is a medium-difficulty plant, and most of what it asks for is patience and good flow.

Did you know

African water fern is one of the few aquarium ferns that prefers strong current. In nature it can grow right in the spray of waterfalls.

Caring for African water fern

Attach the rhizome to wood or rock with thread or glue, and never bury it in the substrate. A buried rhizome rots and kills the plant.

African water fern tolerates low light and no CO2, but it grows painfully slowly that way. Injected CO2, a steady iron-rich liquid fertilizer and good current give the fullest, healthiest fronds. It feeds from the water, so liquid fertilizer does more for it than root tabs. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It grows slowly, and a new leaf may appear only every few weeks. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several fronds each to make new plants. Stunted or browning fronds usually mean too little flow, too much light driving algae, or a buried rhizome.

Good to know

African water fern is an aquatic fern in the family Dryopteridaceae, also sold as Congo fern. It grows from a creeping rhizome that produces finely divided, translucent dark green fronds. Like other ferns it has no flowers and reproduces by spores. The fronds are tough and somewhat unpalatable, which is why fish rarely bother them.

In the wild

African water fern comes from tropical West and Central Africa. It clings to rocks and wood in fast-flowing streams and rivers, in shaded, well-oxygenated water. It can grow both submersed and emersed, but the trade keeps and sells it as a submersed plant.

Common questions

Does African water fern need to be planted in the substrate?

No. African water fern grows attached to rock or wood, so tie or glue the rhizome in place. If you plant its roots, keep the rhizome above the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots.

Does African water fern need CO2?

No, but it helps. African water fern can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does African water fern need?

African water fern is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does African water fern need root tabs?

No. African water fern feeds from the water, so a liquid fertilizer suits it better. Root tabs only help if its roots reach into the substrate.

How do you propagate African water fern?

African water fern propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does African water fern grow?

African water fern grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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