Plant comparison
Green Cabomba vs Java Fern
How the Green Cabomba and Java Fern compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Green Cabomba vs Java Fern
The Green Cabomba and the Java Fern come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 26 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Java Fern is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Green Cabomba rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Java Fern is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
1 note
Temperature
- Green Cabomba18–26 °C
- Java Fern20–28 °C
pH
- Green Cabomba5.5–7.5
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Green Cabomba2–15 dGH
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
What to plan for
- Green Cabomba is regulatedGreen Cabomba is banned or listed as invasive in several US states and parts of Australia / South Africa. Check local rules before sourcing.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantGreen CabombaCabomba caroliniana |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Eastern North America to South America | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Cabombaceae | Polypodiaceae |
| Temperature | 18–26 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to High |
| Max height | 30–80 cm | 15–35 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | Recommended | None to Optional |
| Growth rate | Fast | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Green Cabomba and Java Fern together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 26 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Green Cabomba or the Java Fern?
The Java Fern is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Green Cabomba leans beginner-friendly.
Do Green Cabomba and Java Fern need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 26 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Green Cabomba and the Java Fern?
Placement and light. The Green Cabomba works as background, the Java Fern as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.