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African water fern (Bolbitis heudelotii)
AI illustration, not an ID reference

African water fern

Bolbitis heudelotii

PlantsFreshwater

Care level
Moderate
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6–7.5
Light
Low
Diet
Photosynthetic

Care at a glance

The African water fern has dark green, deeply cut leaves with an almost metallic sheen that sway elegantly in the flow. It grows from a creeping rhizome and in nature attaches to rocks and wood in fast-flowing streams.

Important: never bury that rhizome in the substrate, as it will rot; tie it to wood or rock and let it attach there. It grows slowly, likes flow and subdued light and is otherwise remarkably tolerant.

Related species

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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.