DIFFICULTY Advanced

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT Very High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Required

Injected CO₂ is important for expected growth.

GROWTH Medium

Weekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Red Cabomba

A demanding red-purple fan-leaved cabomba.

Cabomba furcata fans out fine, whorled leaves in reddish-purple and is far fussier than green cabomba, requiring soft acidic water, strong light and CO2. In the right tank it makes a spectacular feathery red background stem.
Shrimp friendly High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementBackground
Typical height8–20 in
Typical width3 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height12 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightVery High
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR50–130
Injected CO₂Required
CO₂ benefitVery High
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingLow
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandHigh
MicronutrientsModerate
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature70–82°F
pH5.5–6.8
GH1–8 dGH
KH0–4 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant stems with spacing; replant healthy tops after trimming.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Transitions from emersed to submersed growth after planting.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Leggy with poor lower leaves in weak light or low CO2.