Quick Stats
Care Level: Very Easy
Water Conditions: 6.5-7.5 pH and Soft to Moderately Hard
Lighting Requirements: Medium
Temperature: 72 to 82 °F (22-28 °C)
Maximum Size: 20 Inches (51 cm)
Cabomba (Cabomba carolinia), also known as fanwort is an aquatic plant that is extremely popular in the aquarium hobby. It may refer to one of two plants – green cabomba or red cabomba. With that being said, green cabomba is widely available, whereas red (purple) cabomba is relatively rare, and can be extremely difficult to grow in the home aquarium.
This aquatic plant is native to the southeastern United States, where even in its native range it is considered a problem weed. Due to the aquarium trade, it has become established as an invasive species in the western and northern United States, and is of particular concern as an invasive species in Australia.
Cabomba is an adaptable plant, and it can grow in nearly any environment that features slow moving or stagnant water. It is found in streams, rivers, ponds, ditches, canals and small lakes. It grows densely in the wild, and will crowd out other plants and even wildlife. This can also occur in the home aquarium, so attention must be paid to trimming this plant regularly.
Care
Cabomba is an extremely easy to care for plant, and will thrive in most aquarium settings. It must be grown fully submerged, although it may occasionally have emergent flowers. It is an excellent oxygenating plant, and is useful in newly setup aquariums, or ponds.
It should be planted in the substrate, and it will grow very fast in an aquarium with adequate nutrients. It is known to grow up to one inch a day, and it consumes most of its nutrients from the water column. Because of this, the water should be fertilized regularly and it is always a good idea to add Seachem Flourish
Cabomba prefers aquariums with high amounts of lighting, and it does best when at least 3 watts per gallon are provided. While it doesn’t require CO2, it will greatly improve the growth and the appearance of this plant. If leaves begin to fall from the plant, it usually indicates a CO2 deficiency, though it can also reflect issues with water quality.
When choosing a light, it’s best to use fluorescent bulbs. Either T5 or T8 bulbs can be used, and they should be full spectrum bulbs. While some aquarists have reported success with LED lights, at this time the preference is still towards fluorescent lights.
Propagation
Cabomba is propagated through cuttings, which should be at least 2 inches in length, though longer cuttings will become established faster. The cuttings usually need high amounts of lighting to root, and they should be provided with a rich substrate.
In the wild, the stems of Cabomba breaks apart during the winter months and sink to the bottom. In the spring, each piece of the Cabomba plant will form a new plant. Obviously this is difficult to accomplish in the home aquarium, so this is rarely if ever done indoors.
I would like to try this plant. I can’t say i have seen it for sale online or in local stores though. Do you have any suggestion?
I take that back, I have seen it and just didnt realize it lol.
Lol… its a great plant to have. I prefer it in ponds though. It takes over aquariums completely.
Ya I am guessing if you dont keep up on trimming your in for some troubles. I may give it a go though. Its a nice looking plant and I am looking for a plant that will use up extra nutrients.
Thanks for the info on it.
does it float?
It will grow floating, but not anywhere close to optimally. You always want to plant cabomba in the substrate if you really want it to be succesful.
Yes,it floats.But,you can tie it up with a rock or other heavy objects.
Very helpful I have got this plant and it grows very fast I trim every day but I love it floating around .
This plant can grow incredibly fast in the right environment. I have one tank with cabomba in it, and it looks like a jungle.
If I cut the Cabomba in half will the bottom half grow?
Yes, it should create a new stem and regrow if it has enough light and nutrients.
I see intresting replys to this post, i think if some one is a beginer to keeping live plants in the home aqarium this would be a good start, i found it really easy to grow and when i was breeding guppies it help my survival rate drematicly, even though it does float to the top of the tank when not planted it still a nice plant to have in there. but i gues each to there own
You’re right – this is an excellent beginner plant, and it looks amazing as well. It must look great in your tank with all the breeding guppies.
How do I trim this plants?
I usually just pinch it off on the stem, and then replant the trimmed piece in the aquarium to create a new plant. You’ll have a lot of cabomba quickly with this method.
I have had cabomba in my aquarium over the years with very little luck. I have it now and it is whithering and dying. The other plants in my tank seem to be doing well. I have no ammonia, nitrates or nitrites. I am using RO water. Any suggestions?
What are you using for lights? Are you adding any fertilizer to the aquarium? Are the other plants blocking the light to the cabomba?
My Cabomba has white dots on it. Any idea on what it is?
Also, is a Nicrew Plus Planted good enough for good Cabomba growth?
It’s sounds like it’s probably a fungus. Gently wipe down the leaves the next time you do a water change and see if it helps.
Thanks. Also, can it spread to other plants and kill them? Should I just take the plant out?