Description
Lobelia Cardinalis
Submerged – Price per Stem
Emersed – Price per pot with 4-5 stems
Overview
Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a versatile aquatic or semi-aquatic plant native to North America. It’s popular in aquariums and aquascaping due to its vibrant green leaves and potential for red or purple coloration under optimal conditions. In its emersed form, it produces striking red flowers, though these are rare in submerged aquarium settings. This plant is adaptable to both submerged and emersed growth, making it suitable for aquariums, paludariums, and ripariums. Its moderate growth rate and attractive foliage make it a favorite for adding structure and color to aquascapes.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Medium to high lighting (30–50 PAR) promotes compact growth and vibrant coloration. Low light may cause leggy growth.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 18–26°C.
- pH: 6.0–7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3–12 dGH).
Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil or layered substrate with root tabs) is ideal for root development. It can also grow in gravel or sand with supplemental fertilization.
Nutrients: Requires regular fertilization with liquid fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and root tabs for optimal growth. Iron supplementation enhances red hues.
CO2: Not strictly necessary but recommended (10–20 ppm) for faster growth and better coloration.
Tank Requirements: Suitable for tanks as small as 40 litres, though larger tanks allow better spread.
Planting and Propagation
Planting: Plant the stem or root ball directly into the substrate, ensuring roots are buried 3–5cm deep. Space plants 5–7cm apart to allow for bushy growth. For emersed setups, plant in moist substrate near the waterline.
Propagation:
- Cuttings: Cut healthy stems (7–10cm long) just below a node and replant in the substrate. Remove lower leaves to prevent rot.
- Side Shoots: The plant naturally produces side shoots that can be separated and replanted.
- Seeds: In emersed conditions, Lobelia cardinalis may produce seeds after flowering, which can be collected and germinated in moist soil.
- Ensure good water circulation around cuttings to prevent algae and promote rooting.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Regularly trim leggy stems to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushy growth. Remove dead or yellowing leaves to prevent decay.
- Cleaning: Gently rinse leaves during water changes to remove algae or debris. Avoid disturbing the roots.
- Water Changes: Perform 20–30% weekly water changes to maintain water quality and nutrient balance.
- Monitoring: Check for signs of nutrient deficiency (e.g., yellowing leaves indicate nitrogen deficiency; pale leaves may signal iron deficiency). Adjust fertilization as needed.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Algae Growth: High light and nutrient imbalances can lead to algae on leaves. Control with reduced light duration (8–10 hours) and algae eaters like shrimp or otocinclus.
- Melting: New plants may lose leaves when transitioning to submerged conditions. This is normal; new growth should appear within 1–2 weeks if conditions are stable.
- Slow Growth: Insufficient light or nutrients can stunt growth. Ensure adequate CO2 and fertilization.
Tips:
- Pair with fast-growing plants (e.g., Hygrophila or Rotala) to outcompete algae for nutrients.
- Use a timer for consistent lighting schedules to prevent stress.
- If growing emersed, maintain high humidity (70–90%) to prevent leaf drying.
- Quarantine new plants to avoid introducing pests like snails or algae.
Recommendation
- Lobelia cardinalis is ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists due to its moderate care requirements and adaptability. It works well in midground or background placements, creating a lush, natural look.
- Combine with contrasting plants like Anubias (dark green) or Ludwigia (red tones) for a balanced aquascape.
- For best results, invest in a quality substrate and consider CO2 injection if aiming for vibrant coloration and faster growth. Avoid placing in heavily shaded areas or with aggressive fish that may uproot it.
- Regular maintenance and monitoring will ensure this plant thrives, adding beauty and structure to your aquarium.
