{"product_id":"bolbitus","title":"Bolbitus","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Bolbitis\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolbitis, commonly known as \u003cstrong\u003eAfrican Water Fern\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a beautiful aquatic fern with delicate, deeply divided green fronds. It is particularly popular for attaching to \u003cstrong\u003edriftwood and rocks\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it creates a natural, established appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike rooted aquarium plants, Bolbitis has a creeping \u003cstrong\u003erhizome\u003c\/strong\u003e and should not have its rhizome buried in the substrate. Once attached to hardscape, the roots gradually anchor themselves and the plant can continue producing new fronds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBolbitis is relatively slow growing and prefers stable aquarium conditions with good water circulation. It can thrive without CO₂, although CO₂ supplementation can encourage faster growth and larger, healthier foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts fine, textured leaves make it an excellent contrast against broad-leaved plants such as Anubias and larger Sword plants. The foliage also provides excellent grazing surfaces and shelter for shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBolbitis heudelotii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bolbitis \/ African Water Fern\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aquatic Fern \/ Rhizome Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂ Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to Moderately Hard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midground to Background \/ Hardscape\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, Nature Aquariums, community tanks, and low-tech setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Bolbitis need CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Bolbitis can grow successfully without CO₂, although CO₂ can improve growth and encourage larger fronds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Bolbitis be planted in substrate?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003erhizome should remain above the substrate\u003c\/strong\u003e. Attach the plant to driftwood or rocks and allow the roots to anchor naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Bolbitis grow on driftwood?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Driftwood and rocks are ideal surfaces. Aquarium-safe glue, thread, or simply securing the plant between hardscape can be used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Bolbitis good for shrimp tanks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Its fine foliage provides excellent grazing surfaces for biofilm and shelter for shrimp and shrimplets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Bolbitis grow quickly?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It is a relatively slow-growing fern, which means it requires very little maintenance once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBurying the rhizome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is the biggest mistake. Keep the rhizome exposed to prevent rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsing excessive lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBolbitis does not require intense lighting. Excessive light can encourage algae on its slow-growing leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoor water circulation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGood flow helps keep the delicate fronds clean and supports healthy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoving the plant frequently\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce attached, leave it undisturbed while the roots establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpecting fast growth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBolbitis is naturally slow growing. Give it time to establish and produce new fronds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856339480715,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/BolbitusMedium_1000x_2x_a512fb91-9f61-4b25-9c4b-b8a6ccabdbba.webp?v=1786337379","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/bolbitus","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}