Palm Caulerpa

Palm Caulerpa forms upright, divided fronds that resemble small palm trees above a creeping runner. Its layered green growth can provide height in a marine planted display or a more structured alternative to loose refugium algae.

Give it moderate light and enough water movement to keep the fronds free of settled debris. Anchor the runner among appropriate sand or rubble while leaving the upright growth exposed. Frond shape and density can change with the available light and circulation, so the initial clipping is not a fixed mature outline.

Prune and harvest regularly to control where the runners spread and to remove nutrients held in new growth. Maintain a consistent lighting schedule and inspect for deterioration. Keep trimmed fragments out of natural waterways and avoid allowing the crop to obstruct drains or neighboring animals.