Mini Bolbitis

Biosecurity Shipping Limitations apply

Shipping Allowed?

About Mini Bolbitis

Mini Bolbitis is a compact and attractive freshwater fern prized for its delicate, finely divided green leaves and slow-growing habit. Its smaller size makes it particularly useful for nano aquariums, aquascapes and detailed hardscape arrangements.

Unlike many stem and carpeting plants, Mini Bolbitis is best attached to rocks and driftwood rather than planted deeply into the substrate. Its rhizome should remain exposed, allowing the plant to attach naturally to the hardscape.

It is a relatively undemanding plant once established and can thrive under moderate lighting. CO₂ is not essential, although supplementation can encourage faster growth and more vigorous development.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Bolbitis sp. 'Mini'
Common Name: Mini Bolbitis
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Type: Freshwater Aquarium Plant / Fern
Growth Rate: Slow
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Placement: Foreground to Midground
Lighting: Low to Moderate
CO₂: Recommended but not essential
pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
Propagation: Rhizome Division
Growth Form: Compact Fern

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mini Bolbitis easy to grow?

Yes. Mini Bolbitis is generally considered easy to intermediate and is suitable for a wide range of planted aquariums.

Does Mini Bolbitis need CO₂?

No. It can grow successfully without injected CO₂. Supplementation can encourage faster growth and larger, healthier fronds.

Can Mini Bolbitis be planted in the substrate?

It is best not to bury the rhizome. Attach the plant to rocks, driftwood or other hardscape and allow the roots to anchor naturally.

Where should Mini Bolbitis be planted?

It works particularly well in the foreground or midground, especially attached to rocks and driftwood.

How do you propagate Mini Bolbitis?

It can be propagated by carefully dividing the rhizome into sections, ensuring each section contains healthy roots and leaves.

Common Mistakes

Burying the rhizome
The rhizome should remain exposed. Burying it can cause rot and eventually kill the plant.

Using excessive lighting
Strong light can encourage algae growth on its slow-growing leaves.

Placing it in stagnant water
Gentle water movement helps keep the delicate fronds clean and healthy.

Disturbing newly attached plants
Give the rhizome time to establish itself on rocks or wood.

Overfertilising
As a slow-growing fern, Mini Bolbitis generally requires less fertiliser than fast-growing stem plants.