Bolbitis heteroclita

Bolbitis heteroclita is native to the subtropical and tropical regions Asia, Melanesia, and Micronesia; including Assam (India), Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in South Asia; southern China (including Hainan), Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands (Japan) in East Asia; Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam in Mainland Southeast Asia; Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines in Island Southeast Asia; Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands in Melanesia; and Pohnpei and Kosrae in the Caroline Islands in Micronesia.

Bolbitis heteroclita is, fairly commonly, cultivated and sold as an ornamental plant for planted aquariums and garden ponds. It is one of two species of Bolbitis that are popular for use as freshwater aquarium plants, the second being Bolbitis heudelotii. Despite their relative popularity, these plants are not suitable for most novice aquarists. They can be unexpectedly sensitive in some cases, requiring minimal flow of water, with a gentle current; soft, acidic water is also preferred, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, although there may be exceptions based on local water qualities. As these ferns are more adapted to a riparian, semi-submerged growth habit (rather than fully aquatic and submerged), it may be taxing on the plants to maintain them fully underwater, long-term. It is best to cultivate aquatic ferns, including Bolbitis, with their roots simply tied or attached to driftwood or rocks, and only a few inches beneath the water's surface. …