Green Cabomba

About

Cabomba aquatica is one of those plants that draws people in the moment they see it. Those finely divided, fan-shaped leaves arranged in whorls along each stem create a soft, lacy texture that's hard to match in a planted tank. It hails from South America, where it grows as a submerged aquatic in slow-moving and still waters. In the aquarium it can reach impressive lengths, and individual stems spread wide enough that a small group quickly becomes a lush background or midground feature. Among the Cabomba species available to hobbyists, this one is considered the most manageable, making it a reasonable choice for keepers who are still building their planted tank skills. That said, it does need decent light to stay full and healthy. In dim conditions the foliage tends to thin out and the lower leaves will drop, leaving bare stems. When planting, strip the lowest leaves from each stem before inserting it into the substrate and give each stem a bit of breathing room so light can reach the inner growth. Roots establish fairly quickly. Planting in clusters of several stems together is the way to go. A single stem looks sparse, but a proper group creates the dense, flowing effect this plant is known for.