Plant comparison
Green Cabomba vs Vallisneria Spiralis
How the Green Cabomba and Vallisneria Spiralis compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Green Cabomba vs Vallisneria Spiralis
The Green Cabomba and the Vallisneria Spiralis 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 18 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Vallisneria Spiralis 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 Vallisneria Spiralis 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
- Vallisneria Spiralis18–28 °C
pH
- Green Cabomba5.5–7.5
- Vallisneria Spiralis6.5–8
Hardness
- Green Cabomba2–15 dGH
- Vallisneria Spiralis5–25 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 |  PlantVallisneria SpiralisVallisneria spiralis |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Eastern North America to South America | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Family | Cabombaceae | Hydrocharitaceae |
| Temperature | 18–26 °C | 18–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.5–8.0 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 5–25 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Max height | 30–80 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | Recommended | None to Optional |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
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 Vallisneria Spiralis together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 18 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 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 Vallisneria Spiralis?
The Vallisneria Spiralis is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Green Cabomba leans beginner-friendly.
Do Green Cabomba and Vallisneria Spiralis need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 18 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 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 Vallisneria Spiralis?
Placement and light. The Green Cabomba works as background, the Vallisneria Spiralis as background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.