Asian Bolbitis care guide
Asian Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis') — low light, 22-27 °C, pH 5.5-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Asian Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita '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. Compact Asian Bolbitis with deeply lobed bright green fronds. Smaller and easier than the African heudelotii; works well in shaded mid-to-foreground attached to wood.
Taxonomy
- Family: Dryopteridaceae
- Genus: Bolbitis
- Scientific name: Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis'
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 Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 20 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Recommended placement: midground
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 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.