TankBud

Bolbitis Difformis

Bolbitis difformis

Also known as Mini Bolbitis, Baby Leaf Fern, Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis'

FreshwaterFernRhizome division

Bolbitis Difformis (Bolbitis difformis)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Low light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
2.8 in
7 cm
Growth rate
Slow
Placement
Epiphyte
Type
Fern
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
1–8 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Origin
Philippines (island of Negros)

Overview

Bolbitis Difformis is a dwarf fern that grows on hardscape rather than in the substrate. It is a medium-difficulty plant, mostly because it is so slow underwater.

Did you know

Bolbitis Difformis grows faster and fuller out of water than in it. That is why keepers get their best carpets from this fern in paludariums and terrariums rather than fully flooded tanks.

Caring for Bolbitis Difformis

Tie or glue the rhizome to wood or stone and keep it off the substrate, since a buried rhizome rots. On hardscape it spreads into a low carpet for the foreground or midground.

Bolbitis Difformis does best in clean, soft, slightly acidic water under gentle light, and low light is enough. CO2 plus regular water changes keep the delicate fronds free of algae. It takes up nutrients through its roots and from the water, so dose a liquid fertilizer. Keep it at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C) with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5.

Fully submersed it grows very slowly and stays under about 7 cm, which tests your patience. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several fronds each to make new plants.

Good to know

Bolbitis Difformis is a true fern in the family Dryopteridaceae. It is a compact form of Bolbitis heteroclita, often confused in the trade with the larger African water fern, Bolbitis heudelotii. Submersed it produces smaller, coarser pinnate fronds than the finely divided leaves it grows on land. It is also sold as Mini Bolbitis and Baby Leaf Fern.

In the wild

Bolbitis Difformis comes from the Philippine island of Negros, in humid forest near Lake Balinsasayao. It creeps over damp rock and soil at the water's edge. In the wild it is really a marsh and streamside plant, forming low mats with its trailing rhizome rather than a tall stand.

Common questions

Does Bolbitis Difformis need to be planted in the substrate?

No. Bolbitis Difformis 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 Bolbitis Difformis need CO2?

No, but it helps. Bolbitis Difformis can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Bolbitis Difformis need?

Bolbitis Difformis is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.

Does Bolbitis Difformis need root tabs?

No. Bolbitis Difformis 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 Bolbitis Difformis?

Bolbitis Difformis propagates by rhizome division. Cut the rhizome into pieces with several leaves each, then tie or plant each piece.

How tall does Bolbitis Difformis grow?

Bolbitis Difformis grows to about 2.8 in (7 cm) tall. It grows slowly and rarely needs trimming.

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