Photo: Zaire at de.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0African Water Fern Care
Bolbitis heudelotii · Dryopteridaceae
🐾 Pet-safe
🎯 Moderate
☀️ Low light
💧 Every 7 days
Photo: Zaire at de.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0Care at a glance
Light
Low light
Temperature
20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
Soil
a nutrient-rich aquarium substrate (or attached to wood/rock)
Difficulty
Moderate
Mature size
15–40 cm (6–16 in)
Pet safety
Pet-safe
Care effort
High
The short version
- A little attention keeps it happy.
- Give it Low light.
- Water every 7–7 days.
- Safe around cats and dogs.
The African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) is an aquatic plant grown submerged in freshwater aquariums. It comes from West Africa and is rated Moderate to keep, reaching 15–40 cm. Here is how to grow it underwater — lighting, substrate, CO₂, placement and propagation.
Also known asBolbitis heudelotiiボルビティス黑木蕨Helecho africanoFougère du Congo
📋Quick facts
| Growth rate | Slow |
|---|---|
| Mature size | 15–40 cm (6–16 in) |
| Native region | West Africa |
| Plant family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Air-purifying | No |
| Ideal for | homes with pets, low-light rooms |
⚖️Pros & cons
Pros
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Tolerates low light
- Compact — fits a desk or shelf
Cons
- Needs high humidity to look its best
- Slow grower — patience required
🐟Growing it in an aquarium
Keep the water at 20–26 °C. Stable, gently moving water and regular partial water changes keep it healthy; sudden swings in temperature or chemistry cause melting.
Light
Give it Low light-equivalent aquarium lighting. Low-tech tanks suit undemanding species; brighter light (and often CO₂) brings out the best colour and compact growth but also feeds algae, so balance it carefully.
Soil
Plant it in a nutrient-rich aquarium substrate (or attached to wood/rock). Rooted species are hungry feeders — use root tabs or a liquid aquarium fertiliser (and CO₂ for demanding types). Epiphytes like Anubias, Java fern and Bucephalandra must NOT be buried: tie or glue their rhizome to wood or rock, or they rot.
Its size and habit suit a spot in the foreground, midground or background depending on how tall it grows; trim and replant tops to keep it dense.
✂️How to propagate, step by step
Spring and early summer, during active growth, give the best success. Here is how to do it, step by step:
division at repotting
- Water the plant the day before to reduce stress on the roots.
- Slide it out of its pot and gently shake off the loose soil.
- Tease the root ball into sections, each with healthy roots and a few shoots.
- Pot each section into fresh mix at its original depth.
- Water them in and keep out of direct sun for a week while they recover.
spores from mature fronds
🔬Classification
| Plant type | Aquatic plant |
|---|---|
| Genus | Bolbitis |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae · Dryopteridaceae |
| Native to | West Africa |
🩺Common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Algae on leaves or glass | Too much light or excess nutrients in the water | Cut the lighting period, reduce feeding, and add algae-eating clean-up crew. |
| Melting or dissolving leaves | Shock from a new tank (common when settling in) | Be patient — trim mushy leaves; new submerged growth usually follows. |
| Brown spots on leaves | Inconsistent watering, cold draughts, or fungal issues | Water evenly, keep it warm, and remove badly affected leaves. |
🐛Pests & prevention
The usual indoor pests are spider mites (fine webbing, speckled leaves), mealybugs (white cotton-wool tufts), scale (small brown bumps), and fungus gnats (tiny flies from soggy soil). Inspect any new plant before it joins the others, wipe the leaves now and then, and let the topsoil dry to keep gnats away. At the first sign, isolate the plant, wipe or rinse off what you can, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every week until it is clear.
🐾Is it safe for pets?
Good news for pet owners: the African Water Fern is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. It is one of the safer choices for homes with animals, though eating any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
Toxicity information is a general guide based on ASPCA data. If your pet or child may have eaten any part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control right away.
❓Frequently asked questions
Is the African Water Fern toxic to cats and dogs?
No — the ASPCA lists the African Water Fern as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Eating a lot of any plant can still cause mild stomach upset.
How often should I water a African Water Fern?
About every 7–7 days — let the top few centimetres of soil dry out first, then water thoroughly and drain.
How much light does a African Water Fern need?
Low light. Keep it out of harsh direct midday sun unless it is a full-sun plant.
Why does my African Water Fern have Algae on leaves or glass?
Too much light or excess nutrients in the water. Cut the lighting period, reduce feeding, and add algae-eating clean-up crew.
How often should I repot a African Water Fern?
About every 2–3 years, ideally in spring. Move up just one pot size when the roots fill the pot or creep out of the drainage holes.
How fast does a African Water Fern grow?
It is a Slow grower, with most of its growth in the brighter, warmer months of spring and summer.
How big does a African Water Fern get indoors?
Usually 15–40 cm indoors, depending on light, pot size, and how long you have had it.
Is the African Water Fern an air-purifying plant?
It is grown mainly for its looks rather than as an air-purifying plant, though all houseplants add a little greenery and humidity.
Is the African Water Fern easy to care for?
It is rated moderate. With a consistent routine it does well.
📚Sources & further reading
Care values reflect established horticultural guidance; toxicity is cross-referenced with the ASPCA.
🌱Related plants
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Anubias Nana Petite
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
Java Fern
Microsorum pteropus
Cryptocoryne Wendtii
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Bucephalandra
Bucephalandra motleyana
Last reviewed: 2026-08-23