Cabomba

Cabomba is a waterplant genus, one of two belonging to the family Cabombaceae. It has divided submerged leaves in the shape of a fan (hence the vernacular name fanwort) and is much favoured by aquarists as an ornamental and oxygenating plant for fishtanks. Its use in the aquarium trade has led to some species being introduced to parts of the world, such as Australia, where they have become pestilential weeds.

Cabomba is frequently planted in aquaria, as an attractive-leaved water plant that is fast-growing (up to one inch per day). Green Cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) is the most common, as well as the easiest aquarium subject. By contrast Red Cabomba (Cabomba furcata) is considered to be one of the hardest plants to take care of in the aquarium.

Cabomba plants in the aquarium require good light (i.e. 1.5-3 watts per gallon), and warm water temperatures (from 18°-32°C). They also benefit from regular CO2 injection and a good quality substrate that is rich in all of the macro- and micronutrients (aquarists commonly use proprietary fertilizer solutions). Cabomba may be propagated by cuttings (typically a 4 inch piece of stem), which require good light conditions to root. When kept outdoors it is hardy to Zone 5. In the fall the stems break apart into sections and sink to the bottom in spring each one sprouts as an individual plant


Species
Cabomba caroliniana (Green Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Fanwort, Fish grass, Washington grass)
Grows rooted in the mud of stagnant to slow flowing water, including streams, smaller rivers, lakes, ponds, sloughs, and ditches. In some States in the United States it is now regarded as a weed. Fanwort stems become brittle in late summer, which causes the plant to break apart, facilitating its distribution and invasion of new waterbodies. It produces seed but vegetative reproduction seems to be its main vehicle for spreading to new waters. Growth of 50 mm a day has been reported in Lake Macdonald in Queensland, Australia.
Distribution: South America (Amazon region), eastern and west coast United States Eaten as a vegetable in some areas.
Cultivation: A nutriment rich water on the soft side. Additional CO2 will encourage strong growth. The easiest of the Cabomba species to grow in the aquarium but needs a strong bright light. Plant in groups. Can grow fast in good conditions. If the water circulation is too strong or with some fish (which like to nibble at it), because of its brittle stems, filters may become clogged.

Cabomba furcata. Height 12 - 31.5 inches + (30 - 80cm + ) with a width of 2 - 3 inches (5 - 8cm +). Purple flowers. Distribution: South America reaching into Cuba and the tip of Florida.
Cultivation: Beautiful but very difficult plant because that requires more light than most aquariums can provide. Soft water and CO2 addition are also necessary for optimum growth. Should be planted in groups, but not too close to stop sufficient light reaching the lower leaves. Multiply by cuttings/lateral shoots.

Cabomba haynesii

Cabomba aquatica

Cabomba palaeformis

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