Piante Epifite per Acquario: Anubias, Bucephalandra, Felce di Giava | Animal Instinct Roma

Epiphytic Aquarium Plants: A Complete Guide to Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java Fern, Bolbitis, and Hygrophila Pinnatifida

Valerio Chiaradonna

Epiphytic aquarium plants are the ideal choice for those who want natural aquascaping without burying the roots. These plants, such as Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus), Bolbitis heudelotii, and Hygrophila pinnatifida, attach to wood, rocks, or decorations, improve water quality by absorbing nitrates, and provide shelter for fish and invertebrates. In our store Animal Instinct in Rome, specializing in freshwater and marine aquariums, you will find over 140 varieties ready for your setup. Perfect for beginners and experts, they tolerate hard water, low light, and grow slowly without forced CO2. Discover requirements, care, and tips for a lush aquarium in this extensive guide.

What are Epiphytic Aquarium Plants?

Epiphytic plants do not need fertile substrate: the rhizome (underground stem) absorbs nutrients from the water and attaches with thread or aquarium-safe glue. Originally from Southeast Asia and Africa, they thrive in tropical aquariums (20-28°C, pH 6-7.5). Advantages:

  • Easy to maintain: No algae if moderate light.
  • Ecological benefits: Oxygenate, compete with algae.
  • Aesthetics: Varied forms for Dutch style or Iwagumi.

From Animal Instinct, we ship with protective packaging: order Anubias Bonsai or Bucephalandra Red for your freshwater aquarium.

Anubias: The Queen of Resilient Epiphytes

Anubias barteri and varieties (nana, petite) are indestructible: they grow in cold or warm water, broad pH (5.5-9), low light (0.3-0.5 W/L).

  • Growth: Slow, 1-2 leaves/month; trim rhizome to propagate.
  • Common problems: Rot if buried; use tweezers to secure.
  • Ideal for: Shrimp, bettas, cichlids.

Anubias on driftwood: Shiny green leaves, natural refuge for fish. | animal instinct roma

Bucephalandra: Exotic Colors and Ease

Similar to Anubias but more colorful (Deep Purple, Red Scorpio), it loves porous rocks and gentle current. Requirements: 22-28°C, pH 5.5-7.5, low-medium light, no CO2.

  • Growth: Compact, iridescent leaves.
  • Care: Prune yellow leaves; optional foliar fertilizer.
  • For aquariums: Nano or community tank.

Bucephalandra Deep Purple: Red stems and purple leaves under proper light. | Animal instinct roma

Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus): Tropical Elegance

Java Fern has feathery fronds and a woody rhizome: attach with nylon thread. Tolerates 20-28°C, pH 6-7.5, medium light; CO2 useful but not essential.

  • Growth: Medium, sporangia for multiplication.
  • Advantages: Hides filters, anti-algae.
  • Warnings: No direct light (can burn).

Java Fern in pot: Ready to tie to logs in your aquarium. | Animal instinct Rome

Bolbitis heudelotii: The Dynamic African Fern

African epiphyte with wavy lanceolate leaves, loves strong current on lava or wood. Parameters: 20-28°C, pH 5-7.5, low-medium light, CO2 recommended.

  • Growth: Slow-medium; prune regularly.
  • Ideal for: Cichlids, tetras; adds movement.
  • Tips: Avoid sandy substrate.

Bolbitis on driftwood: Open structure for active swimmers. | Animal instinct roma

Hygrophila pinnatifida: Vibrant Red and Fast Growth

Hygrophila pinnatifida (from India) has red/pinkish pinnate leaves with high light and iron. Epiphytic on rocks: 20-28°C, pH 6-7.5, medium-high light, CO2 yes.

  • Growth: Fast; propagate cuttings.
  • Care: Liquid fertilizers for color.
  • For: High-tech or midground aquariums.

Hygrophila pinnatifida: Deep red with full spectrum LEDs. | Animal instinct Rome

Comparison Table of Epiphytic Aquarium Plant Needs

Plant Temp (°C) pH Light CO2 Difficulty Animal Instinct Price
Anubias 20-32 5.5-9 Low No Easy €8,99
Bucephalandra 22-28 5.5-7.5 Low-medium No Easy €11,99 
Java Fern 20-28 6-7.5 Medium Opt Easy €8,99
Bolbitis 20-28 5-7.5 Medium Yes Medium €8,99
Hygrophila pinnatifida 20-28 6-7.5 High Yes Medium €8,99


How to Attach and Maintain Epiphytic Plants

  • Preparation: Gently wash, remove alginate gel.
  • Attachment: Nylon threads, aquarium cyanoacrylate glue (not toxic epoxy), mesh net.
  • Placement: Low-medium light; current for Bolbitis/Hygrophila.
  • Maintenance: Prune rot, fertilize K/Fe, weekly parameter testing.

Order now on animal-instinct.it your favorite epiphytes and transform your aquarium. Do you have any questions? Contact us!

For more details and to purchase products:

Via di Monte Verde, 2, 00152

acquariofilia1978@gmail.com

Phone: 06 87691 933

Mobile: 338 838 1624

Discover all our articles available on our website www.animal-instinct.it

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