Lobelia Cardinalis

Lobelia Cardinalis Maintenance Guide and Description

Description:
Lobelia Cardinalis is a striking and vibrant aquatic plant known for its rich red to green leaves and attractive, bushy growth habit. It is native to North America and is popular in aquascaping for its bold color contrast and elegant form. The plant typically grows upright, with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that develop a reddish tint when provided with high light levels. Lobelia Cardinalis can be grown in both submerged and emerged conditions, though it is typically kept submerged in aquariums where it thrives in moderate to high lighting. It’s a versatile plant, adding both color and texture to aquascapes, and can be used in the foreground or midground.

Maintenance Guide:

1. Placement:

   • Ideal for the foreground or midground of aquariums.
   • Can be planted in groups or as a solitary specimen to create a colorful focal point.
   • The plant grows relatively tall, making it perfect for adding vertical elements to aquascapes.

2. Lighting:

   • Prefers moderate to high lighting to develop its vibrant red coloration.
   • Under lower lighting, the plant may appear more greenish.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F).
   • pH: 6.0–7.5.
   • Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard (3–10 dGH).

4. Substrate and Nutrients:

   • Grows best in nutrient-rich substrates.
   • It benefits from regular fertilization, especially with micronutrients and iron, to maintain vibrant growth and coloration.

5. CO2 Requirements:

   • CO2 injection is recommended, especially in high-tech setups.
   • While it can grow without CO2, the addition of CO2 will enhance its growth and color intensity.

6. Growth and Trimming:

   • Fast-growing and bushy, Lobelia Cardinalis can quickly fill in an aquarium with its dense foliage.
   • Regular trimming is necessary to maintain a compact shape and encourage new growth.

7. Propagation:

   • Propagates via stem cuttings.
   • Simply cut a healthy stem and replant it in the substrate to form a new plant.

8. Tank Conditions:

   • Performs best in clean, stable water with well-maintained parameters.
   • Ideal for aquariums with peaceful fish and shrimp, as it can be delicate in high-flow or aggressive environments.

9. Algae Control:

   • Prone to algae growth if exposed to too much light.
   • Regular water changes and proper control of lighting can help manage algae.

10. General Tips:

    • To maintain a bushy appearance, trim back any long or leggy stems regularly.
    • A perfect addition to aquascapes focused on color contrast and vertical growth.