The Cabomba purple is a gorgeous fine-leaved stem plant from tropical Central and South America. Its natural habitats are soft, calm to slowly flowing waters. Cabomba purple is also known as Cabomba piauhyensis. Its fan-shaped submerged leaves have fine segments, varying in coloration from olive green, intense brown-red to wine-red, the latter under intense lighting. The stems may reach a length of 40-100 cm. When the shoots reach the water surface, narrow shield-shaped floating leaves and violet flowers may appear. New shoots appear at the base of older stems.

In contrast to the winter-hardy Carolina fanwort Cabomba caroliniana, an invasive species in Europe, the tropical Cabomba purple is still allowed to be traded in the European Union. For all kinds of aquarium plants, it must be ensured that they do not enter waters and sewage systems. Dispose aquarium plants via the household waste only.

Cabomba purple is certainly the fanwort species with the most attractive purple colour but also the most demanding one. Strong lighting, soft water and CO₂ addition are important, as well as complete macro and micronutrient supply. Also a nutrient-rich substrate is beneficial. The optimum temperatures are quite high with 24 to 30 °C. The purple Cabomba can be propagated by cuttings, it also develops new shoots at the basis of older stems, as mentioned above.

This beautifully coloured Cabomba looks best in larger aquariums, as a group in the background to midground. It contrasts well with light green plants. In open tanks, also its floating leaves and purple flowers offer an interesting sight; they may develop when the stems are allowed to grow along the surface.

Family Name : Cabombaceae
Origin : North America
Height :8-12” inches
pH : 5 – 7
Temperature : 15 – 30°C