Cabomba Caroliniana

Cabomba Caroliniana (Green Cabomba)

Cabomba caroliniana is a classic aquarium plant from the warmer regions of the Americas and has been a favorite in the hobby for decades. Its fine, feathery green leaves form dense, soft plumes that sway in the current and instantly give a tank that “lush, underwater forest” look.

Cabomba Caroliniana Overview

In the aquarium, Cabomba produces slender stems covered in whorls of finely divided leaves, each leaf split into many narrow segments that create a beautiful, fan-like appearance. When planted in groups, these stems form a dense thicket that adds depth, movement, and a distinctly “aquatic” character to the aquascape. Cabomba is especially appreciated for:

• Delicate, feathery foliage: The finely dissected leaves look very different from most other aquarium plants and create a soft, cloud-like texture that’s visually striking in both midground and background.
• Dense cover and fry protection: The thick, “brushy” growth provides excellent hiding places for fry and small fish, helping them avoid predation and feel more secure. Many egg scatterers and small schooling fish enjoy weaving in and out of the foliage.
• Quick nutrient uptake: As a fast-growing stem plant, Cabomba pulls nutrients directly from the water column, helping to use up excess nutrients that might otherwise feed nuisance algae, especially when combined with good tank maintenance.
• Flexible growth and surface cover: Cabomba can be rooted in the substrate and regularly trimmed for a neat background stand, or it can be left untrimmed to reach and flow across the surface. It may also be kept floating, where the feathery stems create a soft surface canopy that adds shade and extra refuge for shy fish and fry.

When planted as individual stems in groups, Cabomba caroliniana makes a beautiful background screen or tall midground feature. It looks particularly attractive behind aquascaping rocks such as Seiryu Stone, where the plant’s soft, green plumes contrast sharply with the stone’s rugged, blue-grey texture, and alongside driftwood to complete a natural, stream-inspired layout.

Caring for Cabomba Caroliniana

Cabomba likes good lighting and clean, well-filtered water, which help keep its fine leaves free of debris and promote compact, full growth. Under favorable conditions, it can show a range of colors from silvery green to deeper green and even brownish or slightly reddish tones at the tips.

Plant individual stems a small distance apart rather than as a tight bunch; this allows light and flow to reach each stem and encourages bushier growth. Cabomba can be rooted in sand, gravel, or planted-tank substrates. While CO₂ injection is not strictly required, it will often respond with denser, faster growth and richer color in a well-lit, planted setup. Regular dosing of a quality liquid fertilizer will also help maintain healthy foliage, especially in more heavily stocked tanks.

As with most stem plants, Cabomba benefits from regular trimming if you want a structured background. When it grows too tall, simply cut the healthiest tops and replant them, removing older, weaker lower portions as needed. If you prefer a more “wild” look, you can allow some stems to grow all the way to the surface and trail along the top, or even keep a portion of the plant floating to provide additional shade and cover. Our Aquascaping Tools, including straight scissors for trimming and straight tweezers for precise replanting, makes this process much easier and helps you maintain either a neat hedge or a controlled jungle look.

• Light: Medium (stronger light encourages denser, more compact growth)
• Temperature Range: 72–82°F
• Placement: Midground–Background (or floating/surface cover)
• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial in brighter, more demanding setups
• Difficulty: Moderate (best in stable, well-maintained tanks)
• Growth Rate: Fast under good conditions

With proper light, clean water, and occasional trimming or thinning, Cabomba caroliniana becomes a graceful, fast-growing plant that adds both beauty and function to your aquarium—whether you keep it neatly rooted or let it drift and flow near the surface.

Shipping Restrictions

Due to local regulations, this plant cannot be shipped to the following U.S. states: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

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