If you are looking for a plant that can turn your aquarium into an underwater forest, be sure to take a look at cabomba. It is one of those plants that immediately attracts the attention of even a beginner. Its long stems, densely covered with the thinnest, fan-like leaves, create a stunning effect of fluffy, iridescent greenery.
It's no accident that it's often called the “aquarium Christmas tree.” But its beauty isn't its only advantage. Dense thickets of cabomba provide excellent shelter for fry and small fish, as well as acting as a natural filter, helping to keep the water clean.
Interestingly, the common name covers a whole family of different species. Some cabombas prefer warm water, while others are more resilient. The leaves can be pale green, or they can have a reddish or even purple tint. This opens up scope for creativity in creating an underwater landscape.
Growing this plant is not as difficult as it may seem. It is quite unpretentious and grows quickly, delighting aquarists with its lush appearance. Let's find out how to settle this unusual “Christmas tree” in your aquarium and make it a real decoration.
Distribution
Cabomba varieties mainly grow in the eastern part of North and South America. Many species prefer freshwater bodies with stagnant water or slow currents, located in moderately warm latitudes.
Growing and care
Cabomba is in high demand among both experienced aquarists and beginners, as most of its species are undemanding. Not only can it decorate any aquarium, but it also serves as an excellent hiding place for fry. Some fish also spawn in its thickets.
Cabomba is often used as a natural purifier, removing a number of harmful substances from the water that are formed in the aquarium ecosystem. The plant has no specific requirements for aquarium volume or water column height.
When decorating an aquarium, cabomba will look best in the corners of the tank or against the back wall. It can accentuate the features of the design composition. An adult plant creates a kind of living wall that sways under the influence of the water current.
Water parameters for ideal maintenance
The requirements for the condition of the liquid in the aquarium are not too strict. However, violating them will lead to a change in the color of the plant and the condition of its leaves. For example, water that is too hard will cause the leaves to grow too small.
It is recommended to maintain the following water parameters:
- hardness — from 2 to 8 German degrees;
- acid-alkaline balance — 5.5-6.8.
Clean water is important for this plant. If there is dirt or cloudiness on the surface of the cabomba leaves, a coating appears. Because of this, the plant begins to wilt and shed its leaves.
Lighting requirements
- For good growth, cabomba requires medium-level lighting. For example, the owner can install a fluorescent lamp with a power of 0.4 W/l. The duration of daylight hours should be at least 12 hours.
- Otherwise, the plant gradually loses its decorative properties. Its leaves fade, become dull and limp.
With an increase in the duration of daylight hours, common cabomba may begin to flower. Flower stalks form between the leaves of the plant, and the buds themselves are creamy yellow or, in some cases, lemon-colored.
Soil and nutrient substrate requirements
Many cabombas have a predominantly weak root system. To avoid damaging it, use soil with fine-grained granules comparable in size to sand or crushed pebbles.
The optimal condition is the presence of silt, from which the plant takes some of its nutrients. It is worth choosing natural-based nutrient soils, in particular those made from fired clay. For example, you can place nutritious soil on the bottom of the aquarium:
Fertilizer requirements
Unlike many aquarium plants, cabomba does not require periodic fertilization. The plant obtains the necessary nutrients from the water.
In particular, when replacing water, it is not recommended to use distilled water to replace part of the liquid volume in the aquarium. The food supply for fish also serves as a source of important macro- and microelements.
Cabomba is a living “Christmas tree” for aquariums: lush, green, with thin feathery leaves that sway in the water, creating a cozy atmosphere and the feeling of an underwater forest. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also helps purify the water, provides shelter for fish and snails, and grows quickly and is easy to care for. There are different types of cabomba, from rich green to reddish, so you can choose one to suit any aquarium interior. This plant is a godsend for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Reproduction
You can get daughter plants of cabomba by cuttings or by dividing the root system. The procedure is carried out as follows:
- When propagating from the stem of an adult cabomba, a 10-15 cm long cutting is separated, which must have 5 or more whorls with leaves. The lower whorl is buried in the soil. Within a week, the planted cutting takes root, and then new shoots form, which begin to branch.
- When dividing the root system from the mother plant, separate one third, which is then divided into 2-3 cm pieces. Each piece should have buds, from which daughter plants will form. Leave the separated roots floating on the surface of the water until the first leaves appear. Then secure the young plant in nutrient-rich soil.
It is advisable not to transplant the young plant immediately after planting so as not to damage the root system.
Variations and forms of the plant
There are many varieties of cabomba, both natural and artificially obtained. Some of them are successfully grown in aquariums.
- Aquatic. Grows in Mexico and Brazil. It is distinguished by its long stem, reaching 2 meters in height, and a well-developed root system. If the plant has grown to the surface of the water, small flowers form in the air, with new buds forming quite quickly. The leaf plates are smooth on the outside and matte on the inside, with a bright green color.
- Gardner's Cabomba. It is widespread in India and South America. The leaves can be reddish-brown or green. The leaf plate is oval in shape. It has high decorative value for aquarists due to its attractive pink flowers. It has developed roots and long elongated stems.
- Carolina. In nature, it grows mainly in shallow water bodies with a water column height of up to one and a half meters. The leaves are light green in color. The leaf plates are thin and arranged randomly on the stems. When kept in an aquarium, the plant must be regularly thinned and trimmed to prevent it from spreading throughout the aquarium.
- Bushy. In nature, it is found in slow-flowing or stagnant water bodies. It is capable of growing in fairly cool water — up to +18 degrees. Lower temperatures are undesirable. It is demanding on lighting, and powerful lamps must be used. The owner will also need to maintain low water hardness in the aquarium.
- Paleformis. It prefers moderately hard water, although a slight excess of the recommended norms is acceptable. A medium level of acidity is desirable. It grows up to 1 meter in length, making it suitable for medium and large aquariums. It is undemanding in terms of lighting and reproduces quickly.
- The most beautiful. One of the most demanding caboms, but when kept in the right conditions, it will delight its owner with its impressive appearance. The mature plant has a dark pink color, while the younger stems are distinguished by bright purple hues. Lighting plays a major role in maintaining the color. With insufficient light, the plant takes on a marshy color.
- Silver. Surprisingly, despite their exotic appearance, many killifish are quite undemanding. They can live in small amounts of water, and some species lay their eggs in the ground, which is very unusual. This opens the door to the fascinating world of breeding, even for novice aquarists who are willing to give them a little attention. Male and female Diamond Tetras have some differences. Males are slightly larger and less dense than females, and have more reflective scales. During the mating season, males develop elongated pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins. Males also have a bright purple hue, while it is almost invisible in females.
- If you take into account all the characteristics of the chromis—its temperament, water and food requirements—it will delight you for many years with its energy and magnificent appearance. This is a pet for those who appreciate not only beauty in aquarium keeping, but also interesting, vivid behavior.. Males compete with each other for territory. They are aggressive during the mating season. Compatible with calm species of comparable size. Keep individually or in a group with one male and several females. These are active, peaceful fish. They are compatible with non-aggressive species of comparable size. Keep in schools of at least 8-10 individuals.
- Sexual dimorphism. Applochilichthys spilaugen
Gardner's Afiosemion
Ease of care makes cabomba a real lifesaver. It does not require complex conditions, grows actively, and helps maintain a healthy environment in the aquarium by absorbing excess nutrients. It is a living filter and a reliable shelter for fry and timid fish.
In conclusion, Cabomba is more than just a plant. It is a universal tool for creating beauty and balance in your aquarium. By planting this “Christmas tree,” you will not only get a decoration, but also a faithful assistant in creating a stable and lively underwater world.
