Photo: Barnes, Dr. Thomas G., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis L.
20–30 cm
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
low
CO₂ needs
22–26 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- midground, foreground
- Propagation
- cuttings
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
Underwater this Lobelia grows light green foliage and a habit easy to arrange in even stands. Its emersed form is different, with purple undersides and scarlet flowers. It has long been used in Dutch aquariums to build rows or “streets” of plants.
- Scientific name
- Lobelia cardinalis L.
- Classification
- Asterales › Campanulaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
North America, Central America, tropical South America
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Introduced in Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
Outside its native range, in 1 countries:
An aquarium plant must never reach the wild: throwing away cuttings or emptying a tank into a stream can be enough to establish it.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Medium light is enough, but more light gives a more compact habit. CO₂ and regular fertilisation improve vigour. Cut and replant the tops to control the height of the group. White roots may appear at the nodes: careful trimming helps keep a neat layout without expecting perfectly upright growth.
Sources:Flowgrow Tropica GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth