Cabomba caroliniana (Fanwort) – Ships as a weighted bunch wrapped in protective foam. A planting ring is included loose, so stems arrive undamaged after unpacking For easy planting and rooting.
$6.50
🌿 Introduction
Cabomba caroliniana, often called Fanwort, is a classic aquarium plant native to the Americas. Known for its finely divided, feather-like leaves, it adds both softness and motion to aquascapes. Its vivid green fans create a natural, flowing look while providing shelter for fish and shrimp.
🌱 Plant Profile
Type: Stem plant
Origin: North and South America (commonly found in slow rivers and ponds)
Position: Background
Growth Rate: Fast
Lighting: Medium to high
COâ‚‚: Recommended for dense growth, not strictly required
Height / Spread: 12–20″ (30–50 cm) tall · 6–8″ (15–20 cm) spread
Water Parameters: pH 6.0–7.5 · GH 3–12 · KH 1–8
✅ Care Summary
Planting & Spacing: Plant stems individually with a bit of space between them to allow light through the delicate leaves. Use fine substrate or plant weights to keep stems anchored.
Maintenance: Trim tops regularly to prevent shading and encourage bushier side shoots. Replant cuttings to expand your stand.
Adaptability: Cabomba can be sensitive during transition and may shed leaves if lighting or nutrients are poor. Provide stable conditions for best results.
Aquascaping Role: Excellent as a background filler, adds flow and texture, and creates hiding places for fry and shrimp.
Terrarium: Not suitable
🌿 Q&A
Q: Why is my Cabomba dropping leaves at the bottom?
A: This usually happens if the lower parts are shaded. Trim and replant tops to keep light reaching all parts of the stand.
Q: Does Cabomba need COâ‚‚ injection?
A: It will grow without COâ‚‚, but adding COâ‚‚ greatly improves density, color, and overall vigor.
Q: How do I propagate Cabomba?
A: Simply cut healthy tops and replant them into the substrate. New roots form quickly at stem nodes.
🌎 More About Cabomba caroliniana
Cabomba caroliniana, commonly called Fanwort, was first described by the French botanist André Michaux in 1803 during his surveys of North American flora. Native to the southeastern United States and extending through parts of South America, it favors calm backwaters, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. In these habitats, its dense, fan-like leaves form underwater thickets that play an important ecological role.
The finely divided foliage shelters fish fry, aquatic insects, and invertebrates, acting as a living nursery. In North America, species such as the jewel-like Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma evergladei), the brilliantly patterned Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus), and the slender Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanus) are all known to inhabit plant beds like Cabomba, using them as cover during feeding and spawning. When in full breeding colors, these native fish are striking, a reminder of the overlooked beauty found in North American waterways.
Cabomba entered the aquarium trade in the early 20th century, quickly gaining popularity in Europe and North America for its flowing texture and lush green appearance. Exporters from Florida and South America supplied much of the demand, and it became a background staple in planted aquariums. While not always forgiving to beginners, Cabomba remains iconic for its graceful motion, ecological significance, and long legacy as one of the most recognizable true aquatics in the hobby.
Artwork & History
This vintage botanical plate of Cabomba caroliniana comes from Britton & Brown’s An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States, Canada, and the British Possessions (1913). Published under the USDA and now in the public domain, it shows the fine fan-like leaves and delicate flowers of Cabomba as they were first documented for scientific study. Including this plate connects today’s aquarium plant to its early history in botany and highlights its role as one of North America’s most iconic true aquatics.
