Tropical and subtropical Asia, Melanesia and Micronesia
Water
freshwater
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7
Hardness
Soft: 1–8 dGH (estimate)
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 helpful but not essential
Flow
Gentle flow
Care
Bolbitis heteroclita (family Dryopteridaceae) is a fern of tropical and subtropical Asia, Melanesia and Micronesia, from India and China to the Philippines, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It is still sometimes sold as Bolbitis asiatica, and some trade forms are sold as 'Difformis' or 'Cuspidata'. Larger fronds resemble poison ivy leaves. It is one of two popular Bolbitis aquarium plants, alongside B. heudelotii. It grows best half-submerged: tie the roots to wood or rock a few centimetres below the surface with the fronds at or just above the waterline. It also grows as a potted plant or a pond plant. In aquariums it needs only gentle flow, soft acidic water (pH roughly 6–7) and regular large water changes to keep algae and debris off. CO2 helps but is not required. Wikipedia says it is not well suited to beginners. Temperatures and hardness are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolbitisheteroclita); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Divide the rhizome. Some forms make small plantlets on the fronds that can be removed once rooted.
Compatibility and tank mates
Tough fronds are generally left alone by fish, including many plant-eaters. Good with shrimp, which graze on the fronds. Tropical.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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