Lobelia Cardinalis Tissue Culture

Introduction

Lobelia Cardinalis is a striking plant that brings a burst of color and texture to your aquarium. Known for its vibrant green leaves with deep red undersides, this plant adds a dynamic contrast to your aquascape, making it a favorite among aquarists who want to create visually stunning underwater landscapes.

Origin

Lobelia Cardinalis, also known as Cardinal Plant, is native to North America. It is often found along the edges of rivers, streams, and marshes, thriving in both fully aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.

Scientific Name

The scientific name of this plant is Lobelia cardinalis.

Lighting Requirements

Lobelia Cardinalis requires moderate to high lighting to thrive. Providing 8 to 12 hours of light per day will help maintain its vibrant colors and support healthy growth. Under high light conditions, the red undersides of the leaves become more pronounced, enhancing its visual appeal.

Care Level: With a care level of 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, Lobelia Cardinalis is moderately easy to care for. It is suitable for aquarists with some experience in maintaining plants, as it requires consistent lighting and nutrient availability to thrive.

Preferred Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 3 to 8 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 6 dKH

Placement

Lobelia Cardinalis is ideal for the midground of your aquarium. Its broad, oval leaves create a striking contrast against finer plants and add a bold splash of color. Plant it in small groups to achieve a bushy, dense look, or use it as a focal point in your aquascape.

Growth Rate

This plant has a moderate growth rate. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy, especially in high-light setups.

CO2 and Fertilizer

While not mandatory, supplemental CO2 will enhance the growth and coloration of Lobelia Cardinalis. Regular fertilization, particularly with nutrients like iron, will help maintain its vivid colors and overall health. Root tabs or liquid fertilizers are both effective.

Potential Problems

Lobelia Cardinalis is generally hardy but may experience slower growth or paler leaves if not provided with sufficient light or nutrients. Ensuring stable water conditions and adequate fertilization will keep it thriving.

Compatible Fishes

Lobelia Cardinalis pairs well with a variety of peaceful fish species. Suitable tankmates include:

• Neon Tetras
• Guppies
• Rasboras
• Corydoras Catfish
• Shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp)

Other Suitable Plants

To create a balanced and visually appealing aquascape, consider pairing Lobelia Cardinalis with these complementary plants:

• Java Fern
• Anubias
• Cryptocoryne species
• Ludwigia
• Rotala species

Tropical or Cold Water?

Lobelia Cardinalis thrives in tropical water conditions, with a stable temperature range between 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C) being ideal for its growth.

What Fish Can Eat It?

Lobelia Cardinalis is generally not a plant that most fish will consume. However, larger herbivorous species might occasionally nibble on its leaves. In a well-maintained community tank, it typically remains safe from being eaten.

A Fun Fact

Lobelia Cardinalis is often used in both terrestrial and aquatic gardening due to its striking appearance and adaptability. In its emersed form (grown above water), it produces beautiful red flowers, making it a popular choice for paludariums as well as aquariums.