African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudelotii)
- In stock, ready to ship
- Live Arrival Guarantee
- Get free shipping on non-live fish orders over $75 and live fish orders over $300.
- All our live fish, shrimp, snails are care with love and passion, when through minimum of 14 days quarantined and shipped from Splashy Fish facility in Springfield, Virginia, USA
This is only apply to live fish order.
What is Our Live Arrival Guarantee?
Benefit from our extensive experience in shipping live fish. In 2021, our records indicated a mere 0.5% dead-on-arrival (DOA) rate for all live fish orders, compared to the industry standard of 1.5%. These numbers translate to only 5 out of 1000 orders experiencing DOA fish.
At Splashy Fish, customer satisfaction is our priority. That's why we provide a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on all animals shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Please note - Splashy Fish reserves the right to void Live Arrival Guarantee protection under the following circumstances:
- The customer has chosen USPS First Class Mail as a shipping method.
- The shipping address is a PO Box address
- The order was refused delivery by the customer.
- If the order is returned to the sender for any reason. For instance, an incorrect shipping address, an undeliverable address, etc.
- The order was held for pick up at USPS, UPS, and FedEx offices for longer than 24 hours after the last update on the tracking number.
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not include all the requirements mentioned below
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim is made after the claim period mentioned below.
- The animals are not in their original packaging
Live Arrival Guarantee Claim Period:
For Live Fish and other invertebrates, one and a half hours (1.5 hours) after the posted delivery time.
For Snails: 48 hours after the posted delivery time.
Steps to claim Splashy Fish's Live Arrival Guarantee:
- Take a picture of the shipping box and the shipping label.
- For live fish and other invertebrates: Please provide two pictures of each bag (containing the dead fish) upon arrival. Ensure the images display the bag in its original, unopened condition with the original rubber band intact
- For Snails: Position the snail in one corner of the tank. If the snail does not move within 48 hours, please take several pictures of the snail's opening
- Send an email to DOA@splashyfishstore.com with the subject line: DOA and Your Order Number, or message us on social media.
- In the body of the email, include your tracking number.
- The claim must be sent within the claim period mentioned above.
After submitting the required information, please allow us 1-3 business days to determine the cause of the issue. If the claim is valid and approved by our team, you will
- Receive a store credit for future purchases, excluding the shipping cost, of the dead-on-arrival fish
If the Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not meet all listed requirements, Splashy Fish reserves the right to reject it.
Shipping live animals and plants is a complex process, and temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure delivery of your order.
If the highest daytime temperature in your location and the lowest nighttime temperature here in Springfield, Virginia—where our facility is situated—fall below 40°F or exceed 90°F, we will proactively delay your order. This measure is taken to prioritize the well-being of the animals and plants.
For the safety of our living cargo and to protect your investment, we retain the right to suspend shipping as necessary due to extreme weather conditions. Our Splashy Fish team will assess the situation and determine if it is unsuitable to ship, considering the safety of the animals.
To stay informed or address any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our dedicated Splashy Fish Support team via email at support@splashyfishstore.com.
Once our team prints and packs your order, we'll notify you via email. This notification will include your tracking number and the expected arrival day. If you opt for UPS 2 Day shipping, your package should arrive within 2 days after shipment. Similarly, if you choose UPS 1 Day, your order will reach you the day after it is shipped. In the case of orders containing only plants or dry goods, they may be shipped via USPS, provided that this is the selected shipping option during checkout.
We ship all of the customer orders from our warehouse located in Springfield, VA. We pack and ship our orders depending on the orders with the exception of someday we cannot ship out live fish.
All Orders: will be shipped out from Monday to Thursday each week for overnight shipping by UPS.
Sunday: (Splashy Day) Today is the day we let our hard-working team members and our fish to destress and ready for the following week's shipment.
For more information regarding about shipping please visit us our Shipping Policy and Schedule
African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) is a beautiful and slow-growing Fern plant prized for its elegant, translucent green leaves and graceful underwater movement. Native to the river systems of tropical Africa, this Bolbitis fern adds a touch of natural sophistication and texture to any aquascape.
This plant is an epiphyte, meaning it doesn’t grow in substrate. Instead, it attaches to driftwood, rocks, or aquarium décor. Its delicate fronds sway gently in the current, creating a calming, jungle-like feel. Perfect for low-light aquariums, shrimp tanks, or community aquascapes, the African Water Fern is hardy, undemanding, and a long-lasting addition to any planted tank setup.
At our Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our African Water Fern for sale and other aquarium plants for sale are carefully selected and packed with love! Visit us to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for a wide selection of freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, and aquarium supplies.
Why Choose African Water Fern?
- Elegant, feathery leaves: Adds natural movement and lush texture to aquascapes.
- Thrives in low light: Perfect for low-tech or shaded aquariums.
- Epiphytic growth: Easily attaches to driftwood, lava rocks, or decorations.
- Ideal for shrimp & community tanks: Offers hiding spots and biofilm surfaces.
- Low maintenance & slow-growing: Requires minimal trimming and care.
- Enhances natural water flow aesthetics: Perfect for nature-style aquascapes.
How to Plant African Water Fern in Your Aquarium
- Rinse the plant gently to remove debris or gel before adding it to your tank.
- Attach the Bolbitis rhizome to hardscape (like driftwood or rocks) using fishing line, glue, or thread.
- Avoid burying the rhizome in substrate, as this causes it to rot.
- Place in a shaded or low-light area with gentle water movement.
- Allow time for roots to naturally grip onto the surface.
Tip: The African Water Fern grows best in clean, soft water with steady flow. Pair it with other slow-growing low light plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Bucephalandra for a balanced and natural aquascape.
How to Care for African Water Fern
- pH: 6.0 – 7.8
- Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
- Lighting: Low to moderate (10–30 PAR). Avoid intense light to prevent algae on leaves
- CO₂: Optional. This plant grows slowly without CO₂, but CO₂ enhances leaf size and density
- Fertilization: Benefits from liquid fertilizers and nutrient-rich water column
- Placement: Midground or background attached to driftwood or rocks
Visit here to explore more about How to Care for Fern Plants.
African Water Fern Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can African Water Fern be planted in substrate?
No, African Water Fern should not be planted in substrate. This plant is an epiphyte, which means it grows best when attached to driftwood, lava rocks, or other hard surfaces. If the rhizome (the horizontal stem that produces roots and leaves) is buried in the substrate, it can rot and damage the plant. To plant it correctly, simply tie or glue the rhizome onto a hardscape piece and allow it to anchor naturally over time. This method helps your Bolbitis aquarium plant grow strong and healthy while maintaining its natural, flowing appearance.
Can I grow African Water Fern as a floating plant?
While African Water Fern can temporarily float in your aquarium, it’s not ideal for long-term growth. Floating the plant can help it adjust to new water conditions or recover from transplant stress, but it needs to be attached to hardscape for sustained health. As a true rhizome plant, it develops best when its roots are exposed to water flow, and its fronds can spread freely.
Is African Water Fern good for beginners?
Yes, African Water Fern is an excellent plant for beginners. It’s a hardy, slow-growing freshwater aquarium fern that thrives in low light and does not require CO₂ injection. Its minimal care needs and tolerance for a wide range of conditions make it a top choice for new aquascapers and hobbyists.
