Bolbitis Heteroclita

Light Needs

Medium Light to Low Light

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Feature

Low Maintenance

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.

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Aqua_Bolbitis.Heteroclita-HP