Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cabomba
BeginnerCabomba caroliniana
A stem plant with beautiful delicate fan-shaped leaves. A longtime staple of goldfish tanks.
About
Cabomba caroliniana is a perennial aquatic plant in the family Cabombaceae, native to tropical and subtropical North and South America. Its submerged leaves are finely divided into fan-like segments with a feathery, graceful appearance; emersed growth produces small white to yellow flowers. In the aquarium it serves as a classic soft-textured background plant, long sold under the name 'fanwort' or 'Carolina fanwort,' and has historically been popular in goldfish tanks. Despite its delicate appearance, it requires attention to water quality — sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and mineral imbalances can cause rapid deterioration — and CO2 supplementation markedly improves growth consistency. Fast-growing stems require regular trimming. Cabomba caroliniana has become a serious invasive weed in Australia, where it has choked waterways after aquarium escapes, leading to legal restrictions on its importation and sale in several countries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Cabomba
The Cabomba grows to 20-60cm.
Basic Info
Origin
Tropical and subtropical North and South America
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
20-60cm
Temperature
18〜26℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer
Growing Tips
Lighting
Needs medium or stronger lighting. The fine leaves become sparse without enough light, so make sure light reaches it even in the background.
CO2 & Fertilizer
CO2 injection makes it far easier to grow. Dose liquid fertiliser regularly to keep the fine leaves lush.
Water Temperature & Quality
Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water. It is sensitive to water-quality changes and low temperatures, so avoid sudden changes when changing water.
Trimming & Propagation
Grows fast and needs regular trimming. Simply replanting the cut stems multiplies it easily.
Notes
May melt in high temperature or strong alkaline
Cabomba FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Cabomba?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Cabomba get?
The mature size of Cabomba is 20-60cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Cabomba?
Cabomba: watering & fertilizer — Liquid fertilizer. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Cabomba?
The price of Cabomba varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 25, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Domestic law: The second edition of the Ministry of the Environment / MAFF Invasive Alien Species List for ecosystem damage prevention (published 11 September 2026) lists Carolina fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) as No. 40, a "priority control" alien species (防除推進外来種). If it invades areas important for biodiversity, such as national parks or habitats of endangered species, it is to be controlled. It is not a designated Invasive Alien Species, and growing or selling it is not legally restricted. Plants in cultivation are not subject to control, but do not discard them outdoors or let them escape with aquarium waste water or stem and leaf fragments (the list asks that listed species are never released into the wild).
Sources: Ministry of the Environment Designated Invasive Species List (Invasive Species Act) / National Institute for Environmental Studies Invasive Species Database: Hageromo-mo (Species of Concern) / CITES Appendix II listed plant taxa (family and genus level)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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