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PlantbeginnerFreshwater

Cabomba

Cabomba caroliniana

PlantaeTracheophytaMagnoliopsidaCabombaceae

📍 North and South America

Ask Finn

Cabomba is a feathery, fan-like stem plant that creates a delicate texture in the background. It grows quickly under moderate to high light and provides excellent cover for small fish and fry. Best suited to tanks without very strong flow.

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing, ensure adequate macro and micronutrients, consider adding CO2, test water parameters

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaves, reduced light penetration, plant decline

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fish like Otocinclus, manually remove affected leaves

Stem Rot

Symptoms

Mushy, blackened stems, foul odor, plant disintegration

Treatment

Remove affected stems immediately, improve water circulation, reduce organic waste, ensure adequate CO2 and nutrients

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf dissolution, transparent or translucent tissue, plant collapse

Treatment

Acclimate plant slowly to new conditions, maintain stable water parameters, increase fertilization, ensure adequate lighting

Community Photos

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Quick Facts

co2
Beneficial
diet
Water column feeder
light
Medium to high
tank size
20 gallons minimum
growth rate
Fast

Water it likes

ph
6.0–7.5
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
2–12 dGH
temperature
64–79°F (18–26°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Growing in0 tanks