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Midground · Beginner friendly

Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form'

Lobelia cardinalis

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✦ DIFFICULTY Easy–Moderate

A forgiving choice for newer planted tanks.

☀ LIGHT Moderate

Around 9 hours is a useful starting point.

≈ CO₂ Optional

Injection is not normally necessary.

↗ GROWTH Slow

Weekly trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form'

A slow, easy stem with round green leaves and purple undersides.

The small form of Lobelia cardinalis grows slowly into compact clusters of round leaves, glossy green above and purple beneath. Its slow pace and tidy habit make it a low-maintenance midground plant that even works low-tech.

Shrimp friendly Nano suitable Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable

CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

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TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground

Typical height2–6 in

Typical width3 in

Suggested minimum tank10 gal

Suggested tank height12 in+

☀

LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightModerate

Photoperiod range8–11 hr

Approx. PAR20–55

Injected CO₂Optional

CO₂ benefitModerate

●

NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate

Water-column feedingModerate

Overall fertilizer demandModerate

Iron demandModerate

MicronutrientsModerate

≈

WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature70–82°F

pH6–7.5

GH3–15 dGH

KH1–10 dKH

PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate

Plant stems individually; brighter light and iron deepen the red.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Colors up as it converts to submersed growth under good light.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Stays green and leggy in low light; needs iron and light for red tones.

KEEP EXPLORING

Plants with similar growing conditions.

Matched from the PlantLab database using light, CO₂, difficulty, feeding demand and placement.

Pollen Shrimp Food

Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form'

About Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form'

What this plant needs.

Placement + size

Energy demand

Where it feeds

Useful parameter range

How to plant it.

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Acclimation

What usually goes wrong.

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