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Red Cabomba
Cabomba furcata
Also known as Purple Cabomba, Forked Cabomba, Furcata Cabomba
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Nymphaeales›Cabombaceae
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.
Where it's from
Native to Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia and 10 more
Recorded as introduced in Malaya and Sri Lanka
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Medium
- Placement
- background
- Temp
- 68–82°F
- 20–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm
- 2–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 5Non-destructive, helps control algae on leaves, peaceful community member
Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage delicate foliage
Algae eater that grazes on plant surfaces without harming healthy tissue
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects planted areas and provides color contrast
Excellent algae control, adds visual interest, completely non-destructive
Member photos
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Common diseases 4Melt/Transition Shock, Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis), Algae Overgrowth on Leaves, Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrient)
Melt/Transition Shock
Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; stems soften and collapse within days of planting
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)
New growth appears pale yellow or white while veins remain green; older leaves unaffected; stunted growth
Dose liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron) 2-3 times weekly; increase CO2 injection; ensure adequate lighting to promote nutrient uptake
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating fine foliage; leaves become obscured; plant appears dull and matted
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)
Yellowing of older leaves; stunted or twisted new growth; pale coloration throughout plant
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
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) (CC BY 4.0).
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Medium
- Placement
- background
- Temp
- 68–82°F20–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 36–143 ppm2–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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