Purple Cabomba pulcherrima
Purple Cabomba pulcherrima
Purple Cabomba pulcherrima is a North American Cabomba producing the classic finely divided feathery leaves with a striking two-toned coloration — bright green upper leaf surfaces contrasted by deep purple to reddish hues on the tips and undersides. The color contrast between the fresh green and the purple-red tones creates a naturally dynamic, two-toned feathery background plant of considerable visual interest under good aquarium lighting.
Care tip: Purple Cabomba pulcherrima grows best in high lighting with CO₂ recommended. Maintain temperatures of 68–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular fertilization supports healthy growth.
Growing to 20 to 28 inches, pulcherrima is a vigorous background plant that develops its best purple-green contrast under moderate to high lighting with CO₂ supplementation. Without adequate light the purple tones fade toward plain green. Regular trimming maintains compact, well-colored growth and ensures the most vividly two-toned new growth is always prominently displayed.
This moderate plant grows under high lighting with CO₂ recommended. The temperature range of 68 to 82°F reflects the broad North American thermal tolerance of this species. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provides comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization maintains vigorous growth and the purple-tipped two-toned coloration. The notes typo "Brigth" should be read as "Bright."
In the aquascape, Purple Cabomba pulcherrima provides a two-toned feathery background presence whose purple-red tips and undersides add warm color complexity to what is otherwise a fine-textured green background plant. The shifting color as leaves sway in current — revealing the purple undersides — creates a naturally dynamic visual effect. It is most effective alongside other warm-toned background plants in South and North American biotope compositions.
Purple Cabomba pulcherrima is a naturally two-toned and visually interesting Cabomba for aquarists who want warm purple-green color complexity in a fine-textured, feathery background plant. Its broad temperature tolerance and accessible care make it a practical and rewarding background species.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Placement | Background |
| Max Height | 20–28 inches |
| Light Level | High |
| Temperature | 68–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| CO2 Needs | Recommended |
| Origin | North America |
| Notes | Feathery leaves. Bright green leaves with deep purple or reddish hues on the tips and undersides. |