Dwarf Cardinal Lobelia Cardinalis

Dwarf Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) - Live Freshwater Aquarium Plant

The Dwarf Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis) is a versatile and visually striking freshwater aquarium plant native to North America. Known for its compact growth and contrasting leaf coloration, this plant features bright green upper leaf surfaces with reddish to purplish tones on the undersides when grown under stronger lighting.

Unlike many fast-growing stem plants, Lobelia cardinalis grows at a slower, more controlled pace, making it easy to shape and maintain. Its ability to form neat, dense bushes makes it an excellent choice for aquascapers who want color, structure, and balance without aggressive spreading.

Key Features

Compact Stem Growth:
A slow-growing stem plant that forms tidy, bush-like clusters when trimmed regularly.

Color Contrast:
Green leaf tops with red or purple undersides under moderate to high lighting.

Controlled Growth Rate:
Slower growth than most stem plants, making it easier to maintain and shape.

Flexible Placement:
Suitable for foreground or midground placement with trimming; works as a background plant in larger aquariums.

Benefits

Lobelia cardinalis adds natural contrast and visual depth to planted aquariums while remaining manageable in size. Its dense growth provides shelter for fry and small fish, and its slower pace reduces maintenance demands. The plant responds well to pruning, allowing aquarists to shape it into clean, structured bushes for a polished aquascape.

Care Instructions

Lighting:
Moderate to high lighting is recommended to maintain compact growth and enhance underside coloration.

Water Conditions:
Temperature: 68-82°F
pH: 6.0-7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

Substrate & Planting:
Plant stems directly into nutrient-rich aquarium substrate. Trim tops as needed and replant cuttings to increase density.

CO₂ & Fertilization:
CO₂ supplementation is optional but can significantly improve growth form and color intensity. Regular fertilization supports healthy, vibrant foliage.

Maintenance:
Trim periodically to control height and encourage side shoots. Grows slower than most stem plants, reducing trimming frequency.

Perfect For

• Aquarists who want a structured, bushy plant with controlled growth
• Foreground or midground placement in planted aquariums
• Low-tech to high-tech aquarium setups
• Community tanks with fish, shrimp, and snails
• Aquascapers seeking color contrast without fast-spreading plants

Emersed Growth & Flowering Note

Bright red flowers appear only when grown emersed (above water). Submerged aquarium growth does not produce flowers.

Compatibility

Safe for community aquariums with peaceful fish and invertebrates. Pairs well with Anubias, Cryptocoryne, Java Fern, and other structured aquascaping plants.

Important Notes

Live aquarium plants naturally vary in size, coloration, and growth rate depending on lighting, nutrients, and tank conditions. Images are for reference only and may not represent the exact plant received.

At Canton Aquatics LLC, we take great pride in providing high-quality live aquarium plants to our customers. We understand the complexities involved in shipping live plants and are committed to ensuring they arrive at your doorstep in excellent condition.

Shipping Process:

• All live plants are shipped using USPS Standard and Priority Mail to provide the fastest and most reliable service.
• Plants are typically shipped Monday - Friday to avoid weekend delays.
• Each plant is carefully packaged in sealed plastic bags to hold in moisture during the shipping process.

DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy:

• If you receive plants that are dead on arrival, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
• Upon receipt of the photos, we will assess the situation. If the plants are determined to be DOA, we will replace or provide refund.
• For a valid DOA claim, replacements or refunds will be processed within 2 business days after the claim is approved.
• Please keep in mind that all plants require sun light to live therefore your plants may arrive slightly yellow.  Please float your plants at the top of your tank near the light for 3 days if applicable.  They will enjoy this new added light intensity to help them recover.

Limitations and Responsibilities:

• The DOA policy is only applicable if the first delivery attempt is made within the shipping duration specified at the time of purchase.
• Delays due to incorrect shipping information provided by the customer or missed deliveries will void the DOA guarantee.
• Extreme weather conditions can impact the health of the plants in transit. We recommend checking the weather forecasts and choosing a shipping window accordingly.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to acclimate the plants to their new environment according to best practices. Our DOA policy does not cover plants that perish due to improper acclimation.

Cancellation and Changes:

• Orders can only be cancelled or changed before they are shipped. Once the order is in transit, we cannot accept cancellations or changes.

Customer Support:

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding our shipping policy or the condition of your plants upon arrival, please contact our customer support team at [Contact Information].

By placing an order with Canton Aquatics LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.

Please be sure to check the regulations in your state regarding restricted plants. Our policy is to avoid shipping any plants that are prohibited in your area to ensure compliance and environmental safety. It's important not to introduce plants into the wild or waterways, as this could disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

We appreciate your efforts in helping to protect the environment. For the latest updates, you can consult the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural habitats.