Photo: Daderot · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Bolbitis
Bolbitis heteroclita "Difformis"
A finely-cut, feathery fern that stays compact and can be grown epiphytically on wood. Wants the steady humidity of a closed setup.
- Terrarium type
- Closed
- Terrarium size
- Small
- Light
- Low to medium
- Care level
- Moderate
- Growth habit
- Upright
- Pet safety
- Use caution with pets
Growing Bolbitis in a terrarium
Where to place it
A finely-cut, compact fern that can be grown in the substrate or attached epiphytically to wood, in low to medium light. It stays small and tolerates shade.
Watering & humidity
Keep the substrate (or the wood it's mounted on) consistently damp and the humidity high in a closed setup. It won't tolerate drying out.
Watch out for
Steady humidity is non-negotiable — crisping fronds mean the air has dried. If mounted on wood, make sure that anchor stays moist too.
Reference: Bolbitis heteroclita "Difformis" on Wikipedia.
Bolbitis FAQ
Can Bolbitis grow in a closed terrarium?+
Yes — Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita "Difformis") thrives in a closed terrarium. The sealed glass traps the constant, high humidity it needs, and it tolerates the lower light inside a covered vessel.
Can Bolbitis grow in an open terrarium?+
It isn't recommended. Bolbitis (Bolbitis heteroclita "Difformis") wants the constant humidity of a sealed, closed terrarium and will quickly dry out and crisp up in an open, airy one.
What size terrarium does Bolbitis need?+
Bolbitis suits a small terrarium — jars & bottles. It has a upright growth habit, so plan its position with that in mind and trim or divide it if it starts to outgrow the glass.
Is Bolbitis easy to care for?+
Bolbitis is rated moderate to care for in a terrarium. A finely-cut, feathery fern that stays compact and can be grown epiphytically on wood. Wants the steady humidity of a closed setup. Steady humidity is non-negotiable — crisping fronds mean the air has dried. If mounted on wood, make sure that anchor stays moist too.
How much light does Bolbitis need?+
Bolbitis does best in low to medium light. Keep it out of direct sun, which magnifies through glass and scorches leaves. A finely-cut, compact fern that can be grown in the substrate or attached epiphytically to wood, in low to medium light. It stays small and tolerates shade.
Is Bolbitis safe for cats and dogs?+
Bolbitis heteroclita hasn't been formally assessed for pet toxicity; ferns are broadly pet-safe as a group, but without a listing we'd keep it out of reach as a precaution.
