TCulture Lobelia Cardinalis (Pot/TC Cup)

Common Name: Cardinal Plant
Cardinal plant is a marsh plant native to the US. It can be found growing along streams, rivers and water ways. The leaves are typically green when grown submerged but as the plant grows taller and reaches the surface of the water, emersed leaves will develop a red or purple tint.
Family Name: Lobeliaceae
Origin: North America
Max Height: 12”
pH: 6-7.5
Care: Easy
Light: Medium
Co2: Recommended
Propagation: Cut stem, new growth, or lateral shoots
Growth rate: Moderate
Shipping Size: 2-3″

Growing Lobelia cardinalis in Singapore aquariums

Lobelia cardinalis is a hardy marsh plant we recommend to scapers who want a fresh, rounded green leaf in the foreground or lower midground. Kept trimmed low it forms a neat compact bush; allowed to climb it reaches the surface and the emersed leaves take on red and purple tints. It is genuinely easy by stem-plant standards, which makes it a sensible step up for hobbyists moving on from carpets and epiphytes.

Our soft, slightly acidic tap water sits well within its preferred range, and Singapore’s steady indoor warmth keeps it growing without a heater, though it tolerates cooler conditions too. Growth is moderate rather than explosive, so it needs less frequent trimming than fast stems. CO2 is recommended for the tightest, most compact form, but it will persist in well-lit low-tech tanks at a slower pace.

Explore more in our foreground plants range, and read our Lobelia cardinalis care guide alongside the compact ‘Mini’ notes if you are working a smaller nano layout.