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Bolbitis heteroclita, also known as Bolbitis Asiatica or the El Niño Fern, is a graceful aquatic fern native to Southeast Asia. Prized for its broad, trident-shaped leaves and semi-creeping growth form, this species is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to introduce a natural, forest-like feel to their aquarium or paludarium.
At Aquarium Plants Factory, we grow this plant emersed, where it develops sturdy rhizomes and lush green leaves. Once transitioned to an aquarium, Bolbitis heteroclita adapts slowly but steadily to submerged life, thriving under low to medium light conditions. Its delicate, deeply lobed fronds add a unique texture and soft movement to your aquascape, offering a subtle contrast to bolder plant shapes.
Best mounted on driftwood, rocks, or aquarium decor, this rhizome plant should not be buried in substrate. Its low-maintenance needs, slow growth, and shade tolerance make it an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned aquascapers.
Trident-Shaped Leaf Form: Broad, lobed leaves offer a refined and natural look
Hardy Rhizome Plant: Easy to attach to driftwood or rocks—no substrate needed
Low-Light Tolerant: Performs well in shaded or indirect lighting conditions
Grows Emersed or Submerged: Grown emersed at our nursery, transitions with care
Great for Paludariums & Ripariums: Versatile in aquascapes with both land and water elements
Scientific Name: Bolbitis heteroclita
Synonyms: Bolbitis asiatica
Common Names: Asian Water Fern, El Niño Fern
Plant Type: Rhizome fern
Placement: Attach to wood, rocks, or hardscape
Growth Rate: Slow
Lighting: Low to Medium
Origin: Southeast Asia
Lighting: Prefers low to medium light; avoid harsh direct light
CO₂ & Fertilization: CO₂ not required; occasional fertilization supports healthy growth
Water Parameters:
pH: 6.0–7.5
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
CO₂ Requirement: Not required
Nutrient Substrate: Not required
Can Grow Emersed: Yes
Propagation Method: Rhizome division
Sold as loose bare-root plants, bunched plants, or potted plants:
Bare-root Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, loose rhizome
Bunched Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion bundled with foam and plant weight
Potted Plants: Approximately 3+ leaf portion, potted in rockwool and net pot
Photos are sample representations. Actual plants may vary in size, shape, or coloration. Unless otherwise specified, we do not guarantee plants are free of pests, pesticides, or exclusively submerged-grown.
Never release Bolbitis heteroclita—or any aquarium plant—into natural waterways. Always dispose of trimmings and unwanted portions responsibly to protect local ecosystems.
Return Policy: All sales are final
24 Hours Live Arrival Guarantee* - In a rare case of live stocks dead on arrival, we must be notified within 24 hours by the same day of delivery. Please take clear photos of the damaged product and send it to us within 24 hours. Live Arrival Guarantee will be void after 24 hours of delivery. All replacements are considered final and we will not replace the replacement.
Please be aware that our Live Arrival Guarantee is subject to certain conditions. Specifically, the guarantee will not be applicable in cases where the package is marked as 'invalid address', 'undeliverable' or is 'returned to sender.' This includes situations such as a vacant delivery address, a missing apartment number, or any other issues that prevent the postal service from delivering your package.
It is crucial to provide accurate and complete shipping information to ensure the successful delivery of your order and the applicability of the Live Arrival Guarantee.
Please keep in mind that Live Arrival Guarantee only guarantees that live stocks will be alive upon arrival. We cannot guarantee that you will continue to have success with them. Many factors, including the aquarium environment, water quality, nutrient, temperature, lighting, filter, and CO2 system, can contribute to the failure to grow live plants and live animals.
Even though our plants are very clean, but we can't guarantee they will be 100% pest-free because we cannot be responsible for your aquarium. Please use it at your own risk. We recommended all customers rinse the plants with clean water and quarantine them before use.
However, plants in tissue culture will be 100% free from pests, algae and never have been contacting with any aquarium.
Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.
Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.
Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.
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