Product Overview

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Plant) is a highly adaptive amphibious plant native to North America. In the wild, it grows tall along riverbanks, producing bright scarlet-red flowers. In aquariums, it transforms into a compact, lush, bright-green bush. It is famously used in "Dutch Style" aquascaping to create clean, orderly rows or pathways.

Care & Requirements

• Difficulty: Easy
• CO₂: Recommended but optional
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or root tabs preferred
• Temperature: 63°F–82°F (17°C–28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0–7.8
• Hardness: Soft to hard (2–15 dGH)

Light Needs

• Intensity: Medium to High (30–50+ PAR)
• Low Light Effect: Stems stretch upward, grow leggy, and lose bottom leaves
• High Light Effect: Stems stay short, compact, and form dense bushes
• Photoperiod: 8 to 10 hours of consistent daily light
• Spectrum: Full-spectrum LED (6500K) enhances its bright green color

Size & Placement

• Submerged height: 4–12 inches (10–30 cm)
• Emersed height: Up to 36 inches (90 cm)
• Leaf width: 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm)
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Tank placement: Midground or foreground

Origin & Natural Location

• Continent: North America
• Regions: Eastern United States, Canada, Central America
• Habitat: Marshlands, stream banks, damp ditches
• Nature: Amphibious perennial herb

Propagation & Maintenance

• Trimming: Cut stem tops to control height
• Replanting: Insert top cuttings into substrate to grow new plants
• Side shoots: Trimming forces bushier, denser growth
• The "Melt" Phase: Emersed leaves may die back underwater before new growth starts