Lobelia Cardinalis (Cardinal Plant ‘Dwarf’)

Cardinal Plant is a very versatile North American plant that can be grown submerged or emersed in aquariums, palludariums, and terrariums!

Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) is a very unusual foreground and middle ground plant for the planted freshwater aquarium. It can also be excellent in the background if grown tall enough. Its submerged form is bright green, sometimes with red-purple on the undersides of the leaves, although this red-purple coloration is more typical in its emersed form. This plant is perhaps best known for the bright red flower that grows from its emersed form.

Cardinal Plant requires moderate to high lighting. Its tops can be trimmed and replanted to increase the size of the mat. It produces side shoot leaves that will be lusher with optimal care. It will grow much more quickly in the nutrient-rich substrate and will also benefit from CO₂ supplementation, but this is not absolutely required. Fertilizers will often be helpful in assuring that this plant maintains its best coloration and form.

This listing is for a single rhizome with multiple stems or a small bunch of 2-3 rhizomes with a few fewer stems of this lovely plant. It is sure to be a standout species in any planted aquarium. It is not too demanding in care, so it is a great option for all aquarists!

Like most plants, Cardinal Plant will benefit from supplements such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, Flourish Nitrogen, Flourish Iron, and other plant supplements.

No aquarium plant distributor/nursery/wholesaler/retailer can or will guarantee their plants to be 100% snail free. We can not guarantee our plants will be snail free.

What We Like About This Plant:

• Vibrant coloration
• Moderate care, including lighting
• Excellent foreground or middle ground plant
• Provides protective cover for fry

Care Guidelines:

• Temperature: 63° – 82° F (17° – 28° C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.0
• Lighting: Moderate to high
• Potential Height: 4 – 12 inches (10 – 30 cm)
• Origin: Indigenous to North America, cultivated in US nurseries
• Aquarium Placement: Foreground, Middle, possibly Background
• Care: Easy to Moderate
• Growth Rate: Moderate