Bolbitis Difformis care guide
Bolbitis Difformis (Bolbitis difformis) — low light, 22-26 °C, pH 5.5-7, no CO2.
Overview
Bolbitis Difformis (Bolbitis difformis) is an aquatic plant of the family Dryopteridaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. A compact aquatic fern with smaller, simpler leaves than the well-known B. heudelotii. Attaches to hardscape and grows slowly, creating a fine-textured accent in shaded areas of the aquarium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Dryopteridaceae
- Genus: Bolbitis
- Scientific name: Bolbitis difformis
- Common synonyms: Baby Leaf Fern, Compact African Fern
Habitat
Bolbitis is a genus of paleotropical ferns (Dryopteridaceae) growing on rocks and wood in fast-flowing streams of Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Most species require well-oxygenated, soft to moderately hard water. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from Africa.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: epiphyte on wood or rock
Placement
An epiphyte attached to wood or rock; the rhizome must not be buried in substrate. Moderate current improves leaf health and limits algae on the slow-growing fronds. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground as an epiphyte on hardscape under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Multiplies by rhizome division; sections with at least one frond and a small cluster of roots re-attach reliably to hardscape. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: rhizome division.
Common issues
Slow growth makes Bolbitis prone to algae overgrowth; lower light and shading by faster plants protect the fronds.