- Sku: FW5-PCAPL
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) - Potted
The Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) is a lush, compact aquarium plant with rounded, glossy green leaves that often blush bronze to deep purple underneath in strong light. A hardy North American marsh plant, it grows beautifully submerged in the aquarium and adds a soft, bushy splash of color to the midground. It is undemanding and a great choice for low-tech and high-tech tanks alike.
This plant arrives potted in rock wool, ready to trim and plant. Browse the rest of our live aquarium plants to round out your aquascape.
Care Guide
- Care level: Easy to moderate
- Lighting: Moderate to high; stronger light brings out richer color and a more compact shape
- Placement: Midground; also a striking emersed plant in paludariums and ripariums
- Growth: Upright and bushy, moderate; trim and replant tops to keep it dense
- CO2: Not required, but encourages faster, tighter growth
- Substrate: Roots best in a nutrient-rich substrate; root tabs help
- Propagation: Cut side shoots or tops and replant; roots readily from the nodes
Specifications
| Common Names | Cardinal Plant, Cardinal Flower |
| Scientific Name | Lobelia cardinalis |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Origin | North and Central America |
| Plant Type | Marsh plant, grows submerged or emersed |
| Care Level | Easy to moderate |
| Lighting | Moderate to high |
| CO2 | Optional |
| Placement | Midground |
| Max Height | 6 to 10 in submerged |
| Temperature | 68 to 82°F |
| pH | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Pickup | In-store only |
Companion Plants
The Cardinal Plant's rounded leaves contrast nicely with finer and taller aquatics:
- Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Bronze' for warm midground tones
- Amazon Sword as a tall green backdrop
- Java Moss to soften the foreground and hardscape
Recommended Supplies
- Seachem Flourish Tabs root tabs for fuller, more colorful growth
- Aquarium Co-Op Easy Potassium for steady leaf health
- CaribSea PyroFlora Substrate for a planted-tank base
- More live aquarium plants
FAQ
Will Cardinal Plant grow fully submerged?
Yes. Lobelia cardinalis is a marsh plant that grows well underwater and is a popular midground aquarium plant. Plants grown emersed may drop a few older leaves as they convert to submerged growth, then settle in.
Does it need CO2?
No. It grows without CO2 under moderate to high light. CO2 simply speeds growth and keeps it more compact.
How do I keep its color?
Give it strong light and steady nutrients. Brighter conditions deepen the bronze and purple tones on the leaf undersides.
Is it safe for fish and shrimp?
Yes. It is non-toxic and its bushy growth makes great cover for shy fish, fry, and shrimp.
Have a question?
Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) - Potted
