Red Cabomba

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to tropical South America, where it grows submerged in clear, slow-moving, or stagnant acidic waters exposed to intense sunlight.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Member of the Cabombaceae family. Famous for its finely divided fan-shaped leaves arranged in whorls along the upright stems.

Physical Structure: Slender stems holding feather-like leaves divided into thread-like segments. Under appropriate conditions, it produces small floating purple flowers.

Color & Texture: Leaves exhibit stunning orange-red to deep purple coloration under intense lighting. The texture is extremely delicate and feathery.

Lighting & CO2: High light and high CO2 demands. Intense lighting and stable CO2 (20-30 mg/l) are mandatory to maintain the red color and prevent leggy stems.

Nutrition & Substrate: Demands rich liquid fertilization focusing on iron and micronutrients. Prefers a fine, nutritious substrate to root properly.

Water Chemistry: Extremely demanding. Requires soft, acidic water (pH 5.5-6.8, GH under 6 dGH). Temperature must be kept stable at 22-28°C.

Space Management & Placement: Best placed in the background in groups of several stems to form a colorful contrast. Ensure no tall plants block its light.

Pruning: Trim the top of the stems with sharp scissors and replant them. The remaining base will shoot new growth if light levels are adequate.

Risks & Diseases: Rapid leaf loss and stem decay if light or CO2 is lacking. Fine leaves easily trap floating debris, which can choke the plant and cause algae.