Red Cabomba
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A delicate beauty requiring good conditions. Matt Wittenrich
Overview
This stunning stem plant is not the easiest keeper in the aquarium, but those who supply its needs enjoy success. It does best with strong lighting and a rich substrate. The delicate leaves are fine and fan-shaped, and the color elusive but very highly regarded, contrasting nicely with green aquatic plants. It is the perfect plant for catching the spawn of many egg-scattering fishes.
Red Cabomba strives toward the light and will eventually cover the entire aquarium surface. Trim the tops and replant trimmings for freshest appearance. Keep the strongest stems for bushy growth after trimming. If left untrimmed, the lower portions of each stalk will fail to get enough light and loose their foliage.
Red Cabomba is a great oxygenating plant for the right aquarium.
Family: Cabombaceae
Other common name(s):
- Forked Fanwort
- Cabomba Piauhyensis
Native range:
Habitat: Grows in dense mats in shallow, quiet waters with rich, organic substrate.
Maximum height: 80 cm (31 in)
Lighting: Very bright light. Natural sunlight is ideal for this species.
Water: Freshwater 24 °C (75 °F) - 35 °C (95 °F)
Feeding
CO2 and macro- and micronutrient supplementation are often required to keep this plant.
Special Care
Requires 4 watts per gallon of full-spectrum light 12 hours per day, or natural sunlight.
pH: acidic to moderately acidic; hardness: soft to moderately soft. This special-needs species would be delightful in a small, bright, quiet aquarium equipped with CO2, a fertile substrate, a few invertebrates, and perhaps a pair or trio of small, peaceful fishes. Plant a few stems at a time in layered bunches in areas of greatest light intensity.
Breeding/Propagation
By stem fragments, lateral shoots, and the seeds of the delightful purple flowers.