Bolbitis heteroclita “difformis” is a small, fine-leaved form of B. heteroclita, originating from the Philippines. It is also sold under the trade names “Mini Bolbitis”, “Davallia sp.”, “Bolbitis Davallia sp.” or “Bolbitis difformis”.
This fern grows very slowly under water and it attaches itself to hardscape with its roots. Its underwater leaves are much smaller than its emerged foliage, and less finely feathered. On old emerged leaves, adventitious plants will form.
We recommend the use of Bolbitis heteroclita “difformis” especially for terraria and paludaria, where this dwarf fern will form dense carpets after some time. It does not have any special demands regarding the substrate, which ought to be kept moist but not too damp nonetheless.
| Synonyms | Edanyoa difformis Copeland, Bolbitis sp. ”Baby leaf” |
| Misapplied names | Davallia spec. |
| Trader names | Bolbitis difformis, Bolbitis Davallia spec. |
| Complete botanical name | Bolbítis heteroclíta (C. Presl) Ching |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Bolbitis |
| Difficulty | medium |
| Usage | Epiphyte (growing on hardscape), Midground, Nano tanks, Foreground, group |
| Growth | very slow |
| pH value | 5 – 7 |
| Temperature tolerance | 18 – 28°C |
| Carbonate hardness | 0 – 14°dKH |
| General hardness | 0 – 30°dGH |
| Propagation | Proliferating leaves, Rhizomteilung, Splitting, cutting off daughter plants |
| Can grow emersed? | yes |
