Attitude:
Congo Fern, Congo Water Fern, African River Fern, Congo River Fern
Breed:
Tropical Africa
Size:
15-50cm
Temperature:
18 – 28°C
pH:
5 – 8
GH:
0 – 30°dGH
CH:
0 – 12°dKH
Growth:
slow – medium
propagation:
Division, separation from daughter plants
Difficulty:
simply Zaire, Congo water fern, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE
Look
The Bolbitis heudelotii has a rich green color that can range from light green to dark green and a typical fern-like appearance. In addition, it carries numerous simply or doubly pinnate leaves that taper to a point.
The Bolbitis heudelotii is native to the tropical regions of Africa and is widespread in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia and Angola. There it usually grows near the water on stones or wood, to which it holds on with its roots. The water fern can live both emersed, i.e. on land, and submersed, i.e. under water.
husbandry conditions
The Bolbitis heudelotii is generally an undemanding plant and can be planted on objects such as stones or branches as well as in the substrate of the aquarium. However, the rootstock, i.e. the rhizome of the plant, should never be buried, otherwise it can rot. The water fern prefers soft and slightly acidic water, but also develops well in other conditions. The Bolbitis heudelotii likes to grow in currents, which is why a place in front of the filter outlet is ideal. The plant does not need strong lighting, but due to its tropical origin it prefers very warm water with a temperature of up to 30°C. The upper leaves of the plant can easily stick out of the water, but the rootstock must always be completely submerged.
layout
The Bolbitis heudelotii is a very decorative plant in every aquarium due to its pinnate leaves. The water fern can be ideally integrated into the landscape, especially in natural-style aquariums, by tying it to roots, stones and other decorative objects. The Bolbitis heudelotii is suitable both for the middle ground of the aquarium and for a closed green covering of the background. The water fern offers numerous hiding places for the inhabitants of the aquarium.
Care
The Bolbitis heudelotii does not require any special care, which is why it is suitable for different types of aquariums. If the supply of nutrients is low, the aquatic fern grows very slowly. Growth can be significantly boosted by adding CO2 and fertilizer. If the water fern becomes too large or sprawling, it can be cut back vigorously. Leaves should always be cut off just above the rhizome, as cut leaves will die and rot in any case. It should also be noted that the Bolbitis heudelotii is very sensitive to transplanting. After a transplant, the plant often needs a longer period of acclimatization, during which it does not continue to grow.
propagation
To propagate Bolbitis heudelotii, the horizontal rootstock can be divided. If there are at least some leaves on the rhizome part, it can be placed on an object and fixed with nylon cord, for example, and there it develops into a new plant. In rare cases, a daughter plant will develop at the leaf tips, which can be cut off and planted to form a new plant.