Red Cabomba care guide
Red Cabomba (Cabomba furcata) — high light, 24-28 °C, pH 5.5-6.8, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Red Cabomba (Cabomba furcata) is an aquatic plant of the family Cabombaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under high light with pressurised CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. The red-colored variant of the Cabomba family, featuring finely divided fan-shaped leaves in shades of red, orange, and pink. More demanding than the common green Cabomba, requiring high light and CO2 to maintain its vibrant coloration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cabombaceae
- Genus: Cabomba
- Scientific name: Cabomba furcata
- Common synonyms: Forked Fanwort, Cabomba piauhyensis
Habitat
Cabomba is a Neotropical genus of submersed aquatic plants (Cabombaceae) from quiet streams and ponds of South and Central America. The fan-shaped underwater leaves are very finely divided. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-6.8
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: background
Placement
Background stem; the delicate foliage demands strong light, clear water and CO2 to remain dense and bright. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the background under high light with pressurised CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Propagated by cuttings; healthy tops replanted into soft substrate root within days under stable conditions. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
Leaf shedding from the lower stem usually indicates shading or low light intensity reaching the bottom of the bush; topping and replanting the fresh apex restores density.