Propagating Cabomba furcata (Red Cabomba)

A guide to propagating the demanding red Cabomba furcata from stem cuttings, with the high light and CO2 it needs to keep its fine red fan leaves coloured.

Overview

Cabomba furcata, the red or forked fanwort, is a perennial aquatic herb with finely divided, dichotomously or trichotomously branched fan-shaped leaves in dark purple-red. It is far more demanding than the common green Cabomba species and is prized for the colour it brings to a planted tank.

Propagation Method

Propagation is by stem cuttings and fragmentation. The reliable method is to cut and replant the upper part of the plant while discarding the older, lower portion, which keeps the new plant in its best shape.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a vigorous, well-coloured top shoot, since the upper part replants best.
2. Cut a length of 10–15 cm with sharp scissors, handling the fragile fan leaves gently.
3. Strip the lowest whorl of leaves and plant the bare stem into nutrient-rich substrate.
4. Discard the older lower stem rather than replanting it, and give the cutting strong light to settle.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

This is a high-light, CO2-demanding plant: carbon dioxide addition is usually necessary, and an aggressive amount of light is needed for good colour and short internodes. It originates from soft water but tolerates some hardness as long as KH is not very high. Rich substrate or water-column feeding improves stem thickness and crown size.

Trimming & Maintenance

Cabomba furcata is fast-growing and needs frequent pruning; its long-term care is the hardest part. Trim and replant the tops regularly, discarding tired lower stems, to keep a compact, well-coloured group.

Common Challenges

The leaves are fragile and shed easily when handled roughly, and the plant quickly loses colour and stretches under weak light or poor nutrition. Thin stems and small crowns indicate undernourishment; richer feeding restores fuller growth.