Cardinal Plant – Lobelia cardinalis – Small Form

The Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) has oval shaped leaves that are green on top and reddish-purple on the underside. It requires moderate lighting to survive but high light to keep its vibrant color. Cardinal Plant is popular for ponds but is difficult to acclimate and maintain fully-submerged in the aquarium.

This ‘small form’ stays smaller than the natural Cardinal Plant common as a bog or pond plant but still requires regular pruning and high light to maintain a more compact size. It is appropriate as a midground plant in most aquariums.