Congo fern is a fairly rare plant in NZ, and i am privileged to be able to own a fair amount of it, in the hope that i can get it growing and distribute it to other plant growers in the country.
Common Name(s) - Congo or African fern
Scientific name - Bolbitis heudelotii
Family: Lomariopsidaceae
Geographic origin - Africa
Type (stem, bulb, rhizome, floating, etc.) - Rhizome
Max. size (height, width) - Up to 50cm (20 inches)
Lighting required - low-moderate, but adaptable
Temperature - 22-28 degree C
Water chemistry requirements (pH, hardness) - An undemanding species that will grow in a variety of habitats
Growth rates - slow
Demands - Appreciates an aquarium with a strong current. Grows much faster with CO2 injection.
Bolbitis heudelotii is a naturally slow growing amphibious fern and can survive well under very weak light. However, it is most beautiful under bright light.
Leaves grown under bright lights are smaller and compact while leaves grown under low lights will be longer and big but more sparse. Water temperatures must always be kept low (below 28 oC) and this plant will thrive. Growth is optimal by supplying a current, CO2 and soft, slightly acidic water.
Care must be taken not to cover the rhizome as it will rot. The most common method is to tie them to wood or rocks.
Heres the best pic i could get of a piece of mine
Id recommend this plant to anyone with a good setup, and people who are dedicated to plants. it is never seen in fish stores in NZ, and pretty much the only place to buy it is from a private plant grower. Mine came from a friend, who originally payed an arm and a leg for it on trademe
