Cabomba caroliniana

Cabomba caroliniana originates from slow-moving lakes, ponds, and streams of South and North America, where it grows fully submerged in soft, acidic to neutral waters. In the wild it forms dense underwater meadows that shelter small fish and invertebrates, while floating leaves and white flowers emerge at the surface during blooming season. Its distinctive whorled, comb-like submerged leaves are arranged in opposite pairs on long, flexible stems that sway gracefully with water movement, creating a mesmerising aesthetic in the aquarium. This visual appeal has made it one of the best-selling aquatic plants worldwide for decades. In the aquarium hobby it is prized as a background plant in community tanks, offering excellent cover for egg-scattering fish like tetras and danios. Cabomba does best in soft, slightly acidic water with moderate-to-high lighting and appreciates CO2 supplementation for vigorous growth. It can be challenging in hard alkaline water, where the delicate leaves may deteriorate. Despite being classified as invasive in some regions, it remains a staple in the aquarium trade due to its unmistakable beauty.

Placement Ideal for the mid-to-background of aquariums. Plant bunches of 6–10 stems together, spaced 3 cm apart to achieve a full, lush appearance. Anchor stems firmly as they tend to float until rooted.

Lighting Requires moderate-to-high lighting (40–80 PAR) for dense, healthy growth. Under low light the plant will elongate rapidly and shed lower leaves. A photoperiod of 8–10 hours daily is recommended.

CO2 & Fertilisation CO2 injection at 20–30 ppm significantly improves growth and prevents leaf loss. Liquid micronutrient and macronutrient dosing is important, particularly iron, which maintains green coloration.

Propagation Stem cuttings 8–10 cm long root quickly when planted in a fine substrate. Side shoots can be pinched off and replanted. The plant propagates rapidly in good conditions.

Trimming Trim tops every 1–2 weeks during active growth to prevent the plant from reaching the surface. Replant healthy tops and discard woody lower sections. Remove damaged or brown leaves promptly to maintain a tidy appearance.