How to care for African Fern at home

Today, Aqua Plants Hub will introduce you to a plant with stunning beauty but is difficult to care for. Its name is African Fern.

Characteristics of African Fern

African Fern belongs to the family Lomariopsidaceae, genus Bolbitis. It originates from Africa, growing wild there. However, when it comes to Vietnam, it becomes a rare and luxurious aquatic plant.

It is a rhizomatous plant, with a height ranging from 12 to 45 cm. The width of the plant’s canopy is from 14 to 30 cm. The leaves grow straight or bend down to the ground depending on the light they absorb.

The plant has an average growth rate. It grows very quickly with abundant light and CO2, while it grows slowly with little CO2 and light.

African Fern can grow in moist areas above ground or completely underwater (aquatic). However, it is often cultivated in an aquatic form.

This plant requires quite meticulous care. Due to lack of water or insufficient nutrients, the plant will die. If planted in an aquarium with other species, its growth should be controlled to avoid overshadowing smaller plants.

Additionally, the water conditions for this plant differ from others; it thrives in soft water. With a pH of 4.5 to 7.5, and a temperature ranging from 18 to 29°C. Low light is preferred, limiting light to prevent the plant from growing too vigorously.

Simple Care Tips for African Fern at Home

When caring for African Fern, be careful not to let it grow too quickly. Because when the plant is provided with good growth conditions such as: abundant CO2, ample light, and soft water, the roots will become large, the leaves will be broad, dark green, curved, dense, and overshadow smaller plants. Especially, they will accumulate algae and harm smaller plants, making the aquarium less attractive.

Limiting the light source and reducing the amount of CO2 will slow down their growth. African Fern will take on a smaller, shorter, and straighter shape. The green color of the plant will be lighter, with bubbles of Oxygen appearing on the leaves, giving the plant a unique and more attractive appearance.

It is advisable to trim off old, yellowing, damaged, or dried leaves. Use specialized scissors for trimming aquatic plants, cutting the stems into smaller branches. Under the influence of flowing water, the plant will naturally separate and develop into new plants, creating a stunning beauty for your aquarium.

If you want to propagate, the only way is to separate the young branches from the plant you are caring for into smaller branches.

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