Cabomba caroliniana

Common Names:

Cabomba
Fanwort

Distribution:

Native to the sub-tropical eastern parts of North and South America, although it has been introduced as a pest to the northern and western parts of North America. Found growing in the mud of stagnant waters or streams.

Description:

It has both floating and submersed leaves. The fan shaped, fine leaves are submersed, and arranged in whorls around the stem. Dark green to brownish in color. Has a fragile rhizome and roots. Flowers are small, less than a half of an inch in diameter.

Potential Height:

99cm (39")

Growth Rate:

Fast

Care:

Regular trimmings and nutrient rich water will aid cabomba in growth, as the plant absorbs nutrients through the leaves and stem, rather than through its roots. Floating leaves should be trimmed if there are other plants. As with all plants with rhizomes, the rhizome should not be buried under the gravel.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Temperature:

20°C - 23°C

68°F - 73°F

pH:

6.4 - 7.4

Hardness

1 dH - 10 dH

Lighting:

Requires moderate to bright lighting. Too bright light will result in a browner color, while in shadier conditions, it will grow leggy and start to shed its leaves.

Propagation:

The fragile rhizome may break off, often resulting in a new plant. It also reproduces asexually through cuttings. It also reproduces sexually by it's self-pollinating flowers that produce seeds.

Comments:

May act as food for various herbivorous fish, such as koi or goldfish. A serious pest in the northern part of North America. Illegal in some states and countries, for it clogs waterways as past hobbyists spread this plant by tossing it in waterways and canals. Serious care and precautions must be taken to prevent its spread. When discarding it, completely dry it to the point where seeds are too dry to grow. Then properly discard. Do not flush, as it will spread in the sewage systems.

Image Credit:

Submitted By:

GobyFan2007

Contributors:

GobyFan2007

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