Cabomba Caroliniana (Cabomba caroliniana) Care Guide

A beautiful feathery stem plant with fan-shaped underwater leaves that create an elegant flowing backdrop.

Overview

Cabomba caroliniana is an aquatic plant in the family Cabombaceae. A beautiful feathery stem plant with fan-shaped underwater leaves that create an elegant flowing backdrop. Demands strong lighting and benefits greatly from CO2 injection to prevent lower leaves from shedding.

Taxonomy

Family: Cabombaceae
Genus: Cabomba
Scientific name: Cabomba caroliniana
Other names: Green Cabomba, Fanwort

Habitat

Native to the eastern and southern United States and southeastern South America (southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, northeastern Argentina). Listed as a noxious weed in Australia and on the EU list of invasive alien species of concern.

Growth requirements

Light: high (≥80 PAR at substrate)
CO2: pressurised CO2 recommended
Temperature: 20-28 °C
pH: 6-7.5
GH: 3-10 °dGH
Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil or fertilised gravel
Nutrient demand: medium
Growth rate: fast
Difficulty: intermediate

Placement

Recommended placement: background
Maximum height: 40 cm
Trim every: 10 days

Propagation

In cultivation the plant is propagated by stem cuttings (replant the upper portion after trimming).