Lobelia cardinalis - Tissue Cultured Aquarium Plant

Overview: Perfect for aquariums and highly versatile, the cardinal plant is one of the best to be used in aquariums and originated in North America. It can be used as both foreground and middle ground plant, especially in the freshwater aquariums. One can use it as a background plant as well and escape regular trimming, which will help it attain a good height. It shows moderate growth rate.

Lobelia cardinalis shows diverse colors in its leaves and foliage. When submerged, the leaves remain bright green and turn red-purplish in the immersed form. The emersed form also produces bright red flowers that make the aquarium look extremely beautiful.

Advantages: The tissue cultured Lobelia cardinalis is grown under controlled conditions that maintain the plant, makes it apt for water tanks and do not alter the water quality.  It makes sure that the infestation of pest will be zero in the tank and thereby water will remain pure and free from pets’ nuisance.

Care: It is advised to get rid of tissue culture gel before introducing the plant to the tank. You can also soak the plant in the water before planting and squeeze out the gel from the hands. Lobelia cardinalis requires apt light conditions to attain proper coloration in the leaves. A timely trimming ensures adequate growth and development of the plant, giving a plush look to the aquarium. Supplementing CO2 enhances the growth even more.

Light requirements: Moderate to high light conditions with the temperature ranging between 17° - 28° C are ideal for getting the right growth, colors, and appearance of the plant.

pH requirement: It grows well in the pH range between 6.7 to 7.0.

Propagation: Cardinal plant can be propagated by cutting the stem or planting the new growths or the lateral shoots. Less demanding and exotic in look, it is one of the best plants for the aquariums.