Cardinal Flower

About

A North American marsh perennial that became one of the classic Dutch-aquarium stem plants. Its rounded, bright green leaves carry purple-red undersides, strongest on growth raised above the water. The compact 'Mini' selection that most shops actually sell stays near 5-10 cm and behaves as a midground or foreground bush, while the standard form pushes past 30 cm. Because it is a bog plant it grows emersed with ease, so nurseries raise and ship it out of water: the first submersed leaves come in smaller and lighter than the ones in the pot, and that shift is normal rather than a sign of decline.

Care

Plant single stems in soil or fine gravel under medium light and keep a complete liquid fertiliser running, since it draws nutrients from both roots and water column. Growth is slow and forgiving, so judge progress in weeks rather than days. CO2 is not required but makes the bush denser and lower. Trim the tops and replant them, and expect the emersed leaves to melt back once the plant converts.

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Frequently asked questions

What water parameters does a Cardinal Flower need?

Cardinal Flower does best at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F), pH 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–18 °dGH.

Where should Cardinal Flower be placed in the aquarium?

Cardinal Flower works best in the midground and reaches around 30 cm.

Is the Cardinal Flower suitable for beginners?

Yes — Cardinal Flower is one of the easier species to keep and forgives typical first-tank mistakes, as long as the aquarium is cycled and maintained.

Sources

• Lobelia cardinalis - Flowgrow Wasserpflanzen-Datenbank
• Lobelia cardinalis 'Kleine Form' - Flowgrow Wasserpflanzen-Datenbank
• Lobelia cardinalis (053C) - Tropica Aquarium Plants
• Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' (143 TC) - Tropica Aquarium Plants
• Lobelia cardinalis - Aquasabi Aquascaping Shop
• Lobelia Cardinalis Care Guide - Shrimp and Snail Breeder