Care Guide
Purple Cabomba
Cabomba Caroliniana Pulcherrima
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Med-High
Growth Rate
Fast
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Mid- background
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Cabomba caroliniana Var. 'Pulcherrima' is an easy to grow aquatic plant that adds some purple colors to the planted aquarium. Native to North America Purple Cabomba as it is more commonly know grows in streams and rivers. The finely pinnate leaves of Cabomba caroliniana Var. 'Pulcherrima' add a new texture to the planted aquarium and are great habitat for fish to hide or nest in. Trim the stems of Purple Cabomba when they become to long and replant them to create new plants.
About the Cabomba Genus
Family — Cabombaceae
Cabomba are fan-leaved stem plants with finely divided foliage. They need bright light to keep lower leaves; in dim tanks they get leggy and bald at the base.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Purple Cabomba
- Scientific name
- Cabomba Caroliniana Pulcherrima
- Family
- Cabombaceae
- Native to
- North America
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Requirements
- For best results, needs very soft, very clean water and supplemental CO2
- Lighting
- Med-High
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Mid- background
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Intermediate
Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Pro Tips for Growing Purple Cabomba
- 1Cabomba needs strong light — in dim tanks it gets leggy and bald at the base.
- 2Replant the tops every few weeks rather than trimming; lower stems brown out.
Common Care Issues
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Purple Cabomba need?
Purple Cabomba (Cabomba Caroliniana Pulcherrima) prefers med-high lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Purple Cabomba need CO2?
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Is Purple Cabomba good for beginners?
Purple Cabomba is rated intermediate-level. Grows reliably in moderate-tech tanks. Benefits from steady fertilization and adequate light, but does not require CO2 to survive.
How fast does Purple Cabomba grow?
Growth rate is fast. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Purple Cabomba?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Purple Cabomba — $20.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100