Troubleshooting
Bolbitis heudelotii problems — and how to fix them
Bolbitis heudelotii (Bolbitis heudelotii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rhizome rot from burial
Planting the rhizome in substrate suffocates and rots it. Attach it to wood or rock with the rhizome fully exposed and only roots touching the surface.
Very slow growth
Naturally slow and slower still in warm, low-CO2 tanks. Provide cooler water, good flow and CO2; expect new fronds over weeks, not days.
Algae on old fronds
Translucent leaves attract spot and brush algae under excess light. Keep light moderate, dose CO2, and add algae-grazing shrimp or otocinclus.
Frond melt after a move
Sensitive to disturbance and warm transport; fronds may brown off after planting. Keep parameters cool and stable and let the rhizome push fresh growth.
Prevent bolbitis heudelotii problems before they start
Most bolbitis heudelotii issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for bolbitis heudelotii in general rather than its problems? Read the full bolbitis heudelotii care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Bolbitis heudelotii problems — FAQ
Why is my bolbitis heudelotii rhizome rot from burial?
Planting the rhizome in substrate suffocates and rots it. Attach it to wood or rock with the rhizome fully exposed and only roots touching the surface.
Why is my bolbitis heudelotii very slow growth?
Naturally slow and slower still in warm, low-CO2 tanks. Provide cooler water, good flow and CO2; expect new fronds over weeks, not days.
Why is my bolbitis heudelotii algae on old fronds?
Translucent leaves attract spot and brush algae under excess light. Keep light moderate, dose CO2, and add algae-grazing shrimp or otocinclus.
Why is my bolbitis heudelotii frond melt after a move?
Sensitive to disturbance and warm transport; fronds may brown off after planting. Keep parameters cool and stable and let the rhizome push fresh growth.