- 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.
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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.