Fanwort Plant Care
Cabomba aquatica Aubl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Cabomba aquatica is a rhizomatous, perennial, aquatic herb in the family Cabombaceae native to South America. It occurs in fresh standing water or in lakes and rivers with slight currents.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Fanwort?
Fanwort grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Fanwort Native To?
What Is the Fanwort?
Fanwort (Cabomba aquatica) belongs to the Cabombaceae family within the Cabomba genus. Fanwort is native to South America. Fanwort is also known as Watershield.
Fanwort displays a submerged aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Fanwort produces small, white or purple flowers that float on the water's surface.
What Light Does the Fanwort Need?
Fanwort thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fanwort?
Rich, loamy soil with high organic content and good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Fanwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Fanwort?
Repot annually in a larger aquatic container. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fanwort?
Fanwort can be propagated through by stem cuttings or division.
Is the Fanwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fanwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fanwort?
Fanwort is susceptible to potential pests include aphids and aquatic snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Fanwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cabomba genus — compare its care with other Cabomba species on PlantoScan.
Cabomba is part of the Cabombaceae plant family — browse all Cabombaceae genera and species.
Fanwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cabomba aquatica Aubl., family Cabombaceae (first published in Hist. Pl. Guiane 1: 321 (1775)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fanwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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