Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis)
Specialty freshwater livestock

Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis)

$12.00

Currently out of stock

Baby Rooted Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis)

These baby rooted portions come in fresh, bright green with no red coloration yet — just clean, crisp juvenile leaves stacked along short, upright stems. Each portion carries a small but healthy root system, already branching and ready to anchor, giving you that perfect “starter plant” look for builds, scapes, and grow‑outs.

The leaves stay smooth and uniform at this stage, forming tight little clusters that look neat, organized, and easy to place. It’s that pure, early‑growth aesthetic — simple, bright, and full of potential before the color shift kicks in.

Plant Care

📌 Quick Stats

Scientific Name: Lobelia cardinalis Origin: North America Growth Rate: Moderate Placement: Mid‑ground / Foreground Lighting: Medium–High CO₂: Optional (helps color + density) Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

🌿 Appearance

Bright green juvenile leaves Rounded, smooth leaf structure Compact growth when young Transitions to thicker stems as it matures Clean, organized shape with bold color

💧 Water Parameters

Temperature: 72–82°F pH: 6.5–7.5 Hardness: Soft–Medium Flow: Gentle Substrate: Nutrient‑rich soil or fine gravel; root tabs recommended

🔧 Care & Maintenance

Plant stems only — keep lower leaves above substrate Trim tops at nodes to encourage bushy growth Replant cuttings to thicken groups Avoid shading — juveniles stretch if light is blocked Fertilization helps color — micros weekly CO₂ optional — boosts density and red tones

🌙 Tank Placement Tips

Use Cardinal Plant for:

Mid‑ground accents Clean vertical structure Nature‑style layouts Bright green contrast Foreground feature in nano tanks

Perfect for:

Nano tanks Community tanks Shrimp setups Low‑tech planted aquariums Color‑forward scapes

🐠 Compatibility

Safe with:

Community fish Shrimp Snails Most peaceful species

⚠️ Common Issues

Leggy growth: Caused by low light — increase intensity Lower leaf melt: Usually from transplant shock — stabilizes quickly Algae on upper leaves: Reduce light duration or increase flow slightly

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