Lobelia cardinalis Live Aquatic Plant - Tropica - Lobelia cardinalis
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The Tropica Lobelia cardinalis is a live aquatic plant ideal for aquarists seeking to add vibrant color and structure to their freshwater aquariums or garden ponds. Its key benefit is its striking visual appeal, transforming from dark green with violet undersides in marshy conditions to a beautiful light green underwater, and producing scarlet flowers when grown emersed. A potential caveat is its preference for marshy conditions, which might require specific tank setups or a willingness to grow it emersed. This plant, commonly known as Cardinal flower, thrives in nutrient-rich substrates and moderate to strong lighting. Tropica pots ensure healthy plants with well-developed roots, often divisible for multiple plantings.
All features
| Model Part Number | Lobelia cardinalis |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tropica |
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Can Lobelia cardinalis be grown fully submerged?
Yes, it can be grown fully submerged where its leaves will turn a beautiful light green. However, it may not retain its characteristic violet undersides or produce flowers in this state.
What kind of lighting does Lobelia cardinalis need?
It prefers moderate to strong lighting, typically ranging from 20-40+ lumens per gallon, to maintain good color and compact growth.
How do I divide a Tropica pot of Lobelia cardinalis?
Gently tease apart the root ball. You can typically separate the larger clumps into smaller portions, each with a viable root system, for planting.
Can this plant grow in a garden pond?
Yes, Lobelia cardinalis is well-suited for garden ponds, especially in marshy areas or at the water's edge.
What are the ideal water parameters?
It prefers soft to medium-hard water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.5). Stable temperature around 20-26°C (68-79°F) is ideal for submerged growth.
Will it grow flowers underwater?
Lobelia cardinalis typically produces its striking scarlet flowers only when grown emersed, meaning parts of the plant are exposed to the air above the water surface.
Do I need CO2 injection for this plant?
CO2 injection is not strictly necessary but can significantly enhance growth rate and overall health, especially under high lighting conditions.
Troubleshooting
Leaves turning brown or decaying underwater
Check water parameters for stability (temperature, pH, GH). Ensure adequate nutrient supply, particularly iron and micronutrients. Increase lighting intensity if too low.
Plant appears leggy with sparse leaves
Increase lighting intensity and duration. Ensure adequate CO2 levels if applicable. Trim the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Violet coloration on leaf undersides is lost
This is often due to submersion. To regain this coloration, you may need to grow parts of the plant emersed, out of the water.
Roots seem underdeveloped
Ensure the substrate is nutrient-rich. Consider adding root tabs near the plant base. Avoid overly frequent replanting which can disturb root development.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adds significant color and visual interest to aquascapes.
- Versatile plant that can be grown fully submerged, emersed, or in ponds.
- Healthy, divisible plants from Tropica ensure good value and multiple planting opportunities.
- Distinctive scarlet flowers provide a unique aesthetic when grown emersed.
- Suitable for creating structured layouts like 'plant streets'.
Cons
- May require specific conditions (e.g., marshy substrate) to maintain original coloration.
- Can revert to its emersed form, which might not be desired in all fully aquatic setups.
- Requires good lighting to thrive and display its best colors.
- Needs stable parameters to prevent stress and color loss.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup: For submerged growth, plant Lobelia cardinalis in a nutrient-rich substrate. It benefits from moderate to strong lighting (20-40+ lumens per gallon). It can be planted individually or grouped to form 'plant streets'. For emersed growth, ensure the upper leaves and stems are exposed to air, ideally in a paludarium or during tank maintenance where water levels are lower.
Compatibility: This plant is compatible with most freshwater aquarium fish and invertebrates. Avoid placing it in tanks with aggressive bottom dwellers that might disturb its roots. It is also suitable for garden ponds.
Care: Regular fertilization, especially with iron and micronutrients, will promote healthy growth and coloration. CO2 injection can enhance growth but is not strictly necessary. Perform regular water changes. If the plant becomes leggy or loses color, adjust lighting and nutrient levels. Trim any decaying leaves promptly. Plants from Tropica are often divisible; gently separate the root ball to create multiple smaller plants for planting.