Red Cabomba

Cabomba furcata

📍 South America

Red Cabomba is a vibrant stem plant featuring delicate, feathery red-tinted foliage that intensifies under high light conditions. Its fine, branching leaves create an elegant, wispy appearance ideal for creating depth and visual interest in the midground to background. This plant grows moderately fast and is relatively undemanding, making it suitable for intermediate aquarists.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Non-destructive, helps control algae on leaves, peaceful community member

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage delicate foliage

excellent

Otocinclus

Algae eater that grazes on plant surfaces without harming healthy tissue

good

German Blue Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects planted areas and provides color contrast

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Excellent algae control, adds visual interest, completely non-destructive

excellent

Common Diseases

Melt/Transition Shock

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems soften and collapse within days of planting

Treatment

Ensure gradual acclimation to new water conditions; maintain stable parameters (pH, temperature, hardness); increase CO2 and lighting gradually; trim affected portions and allow new growth to emerge

Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)

Symptoms

New growth appears pale yellow or white while veins remain green; older leaves unaffected; stunted growth

Treatment

Dose liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron) 2-3 times weekly; increase CO2 injection; ensure adequate lighting to promote nutrient uptake

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating fine foliage; leaves become obscured; plant appears dull and matted

Treatment

Reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours; increase water circulation; add algae-eating fauna (Amano shrimp, Otocinclus); perform manual removal; consider spot-treating with hydrogen peroxide (2-3 mL per 10 gallons)

Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing of older leaves; stunted or twisted new growth; pale coloration throughout plant

Treatment

Dose comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; ensure fish bioload is adequate; perform 25-30% water changes weekly; test and maintain nitrate 5-15 ppm

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Quick Facts

co2: recommended
lighting: high
placement: background
substrate: Water column feeder; benefits from liquid fertilizers and micronutrients. Root tabs optional but helpful for sustained growth.
growth rate: medium