Lobelia Cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida

📍 North America

A beautiful aquatic plant with round, bright green leaves above and reddish-purple undersides. It grows well in low to medium light without CO2, making it a good choice for lower-tech planted tanks.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae-eating fish that won't uproot or damage delicate plant leaves

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that help control algae without harming plant tissue

excellent

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar low-tech care requirements

excellent

Anubias Nana

Hardy companion plant with similar water parameters and low-light tolerance

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, gentle fish that won't disturb roots or stems while adding visual interest

good

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that efficiently controls algae without damaging plant structure

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or necrosis

Treatment

Dose liquid fertilizers containing macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (iron) 1-2 times weekly; consider root tabs if substrate is poor; increase water change frequency

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves and stems; reduced light penetration

Treatment

Reduce light duration to 6-8 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove affected leaves; ensure adequate plant nutrients to outcompete algae

Melting

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or dissolving; stem decay

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes; ensure stable temperature (23-28°C); reduce light intensity temporarily; trim affected portions and replant healthy stems

Poor Growth

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development, small leaves, slow stem elongation despite adequate light

Treatment

Check and adjust water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5); dose comprehensive fertilizers; ensure substrate provides rooting medium; verify light intensity is adequate (8-10 hours daily)