Propagating Asian Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis')

How to propagate the small Asian Bolbitis fern by dividing its creeping rhizome and tying or gluing pieces to wood or rock, never burying the rhizome in substrate.

Overview

Asian Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita 'Difformis') is a compact epiphytic fern that naturally grows on wood and rock surfaces rather than in substrate. It is propagated through division of its creeping rhizome, the structure from which its fronds and delicate roots arise.

It is a slow grower, so multiplication is gradual. Native across tropical and subtropical Asia and the western Pacific, it stays smaller and is generally easier to keep than the larger African Bolbitis.

Propagation Method (Rhizome Division)

The reliable aquarium method is rhizome division. The horizontal rhizome is cut into sections, each retaining several fronds and a portion of roots, and each section then grows into an independent plant. As with all epiphytic ferns, the roots are simply tied or attached to driftwood or rocks.

Rhizome division — split the creeping rhizome into pieces with fronds and roots.
Attachment — tie or glue each piece to wood or rock so the roots can grip.

Step-by-Step

Lift the mother plant off its wood or rock and rinse away loose debris.
Cut the rhizome into sections, each carrying several fronds and a tuft of roots.
Tie each section to driftwood or stone with cotton thread or fishing line, or use a dab of aquarium glue.
Keep the rhizome fully exposed above the surface; only the roots should contact the hardscape.
Set it in a shaded spot with gentle flow and let new fronds form before disturbing it.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This fern prefers soft, slightly acidic water, ideally around pH 6.0-7.0, with a gentle current rather than strong flow. Low light and no added CO2 suit it. Weekly water changes of roughly 25-75% keep conditions stable for its delicate roots.

Maintenance

Once attached, leave the plant in place so its slow growth is not interrupted. Remove cotton thread or wait for glue to be overgrown by roots, and trim away any old or melted fronds at the rhizome.

Common Challenges

Rotting rhizome — caused by burying it; keep it exposed on hardscape.
Very slow recovery — normal; avoid frequent moves and over-division.
Frond melt in poor water — maintain soft, slightly acidic water and regular changes.