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How to Grow African Fern

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African Fern

Bolbitis heudelotii

fern

Bolbitis heudelotii is a delicate, feathery aquatic fern native to West Africa, prized for its lush green fronds and graceful appearance in aquascapes. It thrives submerged in freshwater aquariums and can also grow emersed in high-humidity terrestrial conditions. This slow-growing fern is popular among aquascapers for creating natural-looking aquarium layouts.

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Example African Fern timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant African Fern

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest African Fern

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact African Fern dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Moderate indirect light, 8-12 hours daily in aquariums; avoid direct intense lighting which causes algae overgrowth. In terrariums: bright indirect light
💧
Water: Submerged: constant submersion in freshwater at 68-82°F (20-28°C), with gentle water flow. Emersed: soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; high humidity (70-90%). Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water with regular water changes (25-50% weekly).
📏
Spacing: 6-8 inches between plants to allow frond expansion; can be tied to hardscape with fishing line to establish inches
📅
Days to maturity: 180-365 days (very slow growth; mature appearance develops over 6-12 months)
🌱
Planting depth: Rhizome should rest on substrate surface or be anchored to rocks/wood; do not bury the rhizome or it will rot

Soil

Type: Aquarium substrate (fine gravel, sand, or specialized aquatic soil); or moist, well-draining terrarium soil for emersed growth
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Iron-rich fertilizer for aquatic use Trace element fertilizers Peat moss or coconut husk (for emersed terrestrial cultivation)

Growth Stages

1

Newly Anchored

2-4 weeks

Young fern recently tied to hardscape or placed on substrate, with 3-5 small fronds visible

Keep water parameters stable; provide gentle water movement; do not disturb; ensure rhizome is exposed

2

Establishment

4-12 weeks

Fern develops roots into substrate or hardscape; frond count increases slowly, reaching 6-10 fronds

Begin liquid fertilization with iron and trace elements; maintain consistent lighting; watch for melting of older fronds (normal during acclimation)

3

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Established plant produces new fronds steadily; fronds become fuller and more feathery; can reach 10-16 inches tall

Continue weekly fertilization; maintain water flow without excessive turbulence; remove damaged fronds at rhizome base

4

Maturation

Ongoing maintenance phase

Fern reaches full size with dense, delicate foliage; may develop sporangia (spore-bearing structures) on frond undersides

Reduce fertilizer frequency if excessive algae develops; thin old fronds to encourage new growth; stable conditions essential

5

Propagation (Runners/Division)

Sporadic; can take 2-3 months between divisions

Mature plants develop runners or side shoots that can be separated to create new plants

Allow runners to develop 3-4 fronds before carefully cutting and replanting; propagation is slow but reliable

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Anubias barteri Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) Marimo Moss Ball Cryptocoryne species Hemianthus callitrichoides (dwarf baby tears) Bucephalandra species

Avoid planting near:

Goldfish (destructive and uproot plants) Aggressive herbivorous fish (plecos, certain cichlids) Fast-growing stem plants that shade it excessively

Common Pests

  • Reduce light duration to 8 hours; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish (Amano shrimp, otocinclus catfish); avoid excess fertilizer

  • Ensure rhizome is not buried; improve water circulation; remove affected portions with clean tools; perform 50% water change

  • Maintain stable water parameters (temperature, pH); avoid sudden changes; be patient as new growth emerges

  • Small snails are beneficial for algae control; prevent overpopulation by limiting food sources

Uses

🏠

Aquascaping and aquarium decoration

Household

Bolbitis heudelotii creates natural, jungle-like layouts in planted aquariums and adds foreground or midground visual interest with its delicate, feathery fronds. [source]

🦋

Aquatic habitat and fish refuge

Wildlife

Dense foliage provides shelter for small fish, fry, and invertebrates, improving aquarium biodiversity and fish behavior. [source]

🏠

High-humidity terrarium cultivation

Household

In terrariums and humid vivariums, Bolbitis thrives as an emersed plant, creating lush green displays in enclosed ecosystems. [source]

🎨

Hardscape attachment and living sculpture

Craft

The fern can be attached to rocks, driftwood, and volcanic rock using fishing line or plant weights, allowing creative vertical and sculptural aquascape designs. [source]

🏠

Water quality indicator

Household

Bolbitis is sensitive to poor water conditions and toxins; its health and growth rate reflect aquarium water quality and stability. [source]

Harvest Tips

This fern is not harvested in traditional sense. To propagate: separate runners or side shoots once they develop 3-4 fronds. Use clean scissors or tweezers. Division is the primary propagation method; spore propagation is possible but slow and difficult for aquarists.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Bolbitis heudelotii is one of the few truly aquatic ferns and is native to the rainforests of West Africa, where it grows on rocks in rivers and streams.
  • 🌱 Despite being fern, it reproduces both via spores and vegetatively through runners, making division the easiest propagation method for aquarists.
  • 🌱 The fern's slow growth rate—often just a few new fronds per month—is a feature, not a bug: it keeps aquascapes stable and reduces maintenance compared to fast-growing stem plants.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Runner
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