Propagating Bolbitis difformis ('Baby Leaf' Fern)

How to propagate the slow-growing Bolbitis difformis by rhizome division, attaching it to wood or rock, with soft water and steady flow over the rhizome.

Overview

Bolbitis difformis, sold as the 'Baby Leaf' fern, is a compact epiphytic fern in the genus Bolbitis that attaches to hardscape rather than rooting in substrate. It is fine-textured, snail resistant, and a slow grower best suited to shaded, soft-water tanks. Its leaves are sensitive and react poorly to abrupt changes in water parameters, so it rewards patience and stability.

Propagation is entirely vegetative through the rhizome, giving you exact clones of the parent. Because growth is slow, plan each division well in advance and expect the new piece to take its time settling in.

Propagation Method

Bolbitis difformis is propagated by rhizome division: the horizontal rhizome is separated into sections, each retaining roots, that are then attached to a piece of wood or rock. A useful technique is to remove almost all of the old leaves from a fresh division, leaving mostly rhizome and roots, so the plant can grow new leaves that are properly adapted to the new tank instead of clinging to leaves grown under different conditions.

Rhizome division into sections that each keep roots.
Attachment of each section to wood or rock (no substrate planting).

Step-by-Step

Select a healthy parent with a developed rhizome and lift it from its hardscape.
Separate the rhizome into sections, making sure each piece carries its own roots.
Trim away almost all of the old leaves from each division, leaving the rhizome and roots intact.
Tie or glue each section to driftwood or rock, keeping the rhizome sitting on top of the surface.
Direct gentle flow over the rhizome and wait for new, adapted leaves to emerge before judging success.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This fern prefers soft, slightly acidic water and shaded, low light; it does not require CO2. Steady water movement matters: directing flow from a powerhead or filter outlet across the rhizome keeps the plant healthy and helps it grow faster, and it tends to do better in warmer water. Stable parameters are essential, as the leaves dislike sudden change.

Maintenance

Keep flow directed over the rhizome and trim old or damaged leaves down to the rhizome to encourage fresh, adapted growth. Avoid moving or replanting the fern unnecessarily, since each disturbance can trigger leaf loss. Check that ties hold until the roots have gripped the hardscape.

Common Challenges

Slow establishment: this is a slow grower, so new leaves take time to appear.
Leaf loss after changes in water parameters — keep conditions stable and remove old leaves so new ones adapt.
Difficulty submersed: it can struggle to thrive fully underwater, so provide soft water, flow, and patience.