Easy Aquarium Plant
Light Preference/Tolerated (Medium Light, Low Light)
Aquatic Watering Needs
Mature Height 12 inches

Bolbitis heteroclita is an aquatic fern that originates in southeast Asia. Sometimes called the Java Fern or El Nino fern, Bolbitis is one of the easiest aquarium plants for beginning Aquascapers. The broad leaves and upright structure make Bolbitis heteroclita perfect for midground planting in a small tank or foreground planting in a large tank. Aggressive fish may damage the leaves and root structure.

Best Locations For Growing Bolbitis Heteroclita

Bolbitis heteroclita has broad, arrow-shaped fronds that make a nice backdrop or specimen plant in a freshwater aquarium. The top of the leaves can grow outside of the water as long as the rest of the plant is submerged. This Bolbitis also grows easily in a high humidity closed terrarium scape. The terrarium must be placed in a warm, bright room between 70-80 degrees F.

Bolbitis Heteroclita Sunlight Requirements

This Bolbitis grows as a top layer plant and tolerates low to fairly high light levels. Lower light levels cause the plant to grow slower and have darker coloring, while higher light levels spur faster growth and more delicate, almost opaque leaves. Eventually, the mature plant will be tall enough to reach the outside of an open tank.

Bolbitis Heteroclita Care

Do not plant this aquatic plant directly into the substrate. Attach rhizomes to an object to anchor them in place. Planting the roots in the substrate will rot them and cause the plant to die. Planting Bolbitis close to the water flow will keep algae from forming on the fronds. Any old or dead fronds can be cut off near the rhizomes to keep the plant tidy and reduce decomposition in the water.

Watering Bolbitis Heteroclita

Bolbitis can be grown fully or partially submerged, with part of the top growth out of the tank. This is also an excellent plant for closed, high-humidity terrariums.

Feeding Bolbitis Heteroclita

A CO2 injection every once in a while will help to keep the fronds growing steadily but is not necessary. Generally, no extra fertilizing is required when raising fish in the aquarium. The nutrients from fish food and waste are all that Bolbitis will need.

Bolbitis Heteroclita Information

Light Exposure: Medium Light, Low Light

Care Requirements: Easy

Watering Requirements: misted at least one a day

Pet Friendly: No

Kid Friendly: No

Air Purifier: Moderate

Habit: Upright

Growth Rate: Slow

Mature Height: 12 inches

Mature Spread: 16 inches

Flowering: No

Flower Color(s): None

Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage

Fragrant: No

Foliage Type:

Foliage Color(s): Green

Foliage Description: Light to Dark Green

Temperature: 65° - 80°F (18° - 27°C)

Humidity: Above Average to High (60% - 100%)

Common Name: Bolbitis Heteroclita

Other Name(s): El Nino Fern, Bolbitis Broad Leaf

Scientific Name: Bolbitis Heteroclita

Plant Type: House Plant

SKU:: Aqua_Bolbitis.Heteroclita-HP

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

For more detailed information, please click here.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations

Plant Shipping

Time of Order:

Summer Shipping

If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.

We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.

It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.

Bolbitis Heteroclita

Best Locations For Growing Bolbitis Heteroclita

Bolbitis Heteroclita Sunlight Requirements