Tissue Culture Lobelia cardinalis

Lobelia cardinalis, commonly known as Cardinal Flower, is a stunning and versatile aquatic plant that brings bold, lush greenery to any planted aquarium. Its broad, rounded leaves display a rich bright green on top with a striking reddish-purple underside, creating a beautiful two-tone effect that catches the eye from every angle. It's equally at home in aquascapes, paludariums, and emersed setups, making it one of the most flexible plants in the hobby.

Plant Details

• Difficulty: Easy
• Placement: Midground to Background
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Lighting: Low to High
• CO₂: Not required, but beneficial
• Temperature: 15–26°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5

Why Tissue Culture?

Our tissue culture plants are grown in sterile laboratory conditions, meaning they arrive:

• Free from pesticides and harmful chemicals
• Free from snails, planarians, and pest algae
• Free from pathogens and parasites
• No rock wool to remove — just rinse and plant

Tips for Success

Lobelia cardinalis is one of the most beginner-friendly stem plants available, tolerating a wide range of lighting and water conditions. It grows more compactly under higher light and develops more intense purple colouration on the leaf undersides. Regular trimming and replanting of tops encourages bushy, dense growth. It prefers cooler water temperatures, making it ideal for temperate and unheated aquariums.