Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' Compact Care Guide
Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' Compact is an extra-compact selection of the American cardinal flower (Campanulaceae), suited to nano foreground and midground.
Overview
Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' Compact is an extra-compact selection of Lobelia cardinalis, the cardinal flower, a member of the bellflower family Campanulaceae. The species is used fairly frequently in aquascaping, and a compact 'Mini' cultivar has been commercially developed. This selection has very short internodes and rounded leaves, suiting it to nano foreground and midground layouts.
Taxonomy
- Family: Campanulaceae
- Genus: Lobelia
- Scientific name: Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' Compact
- Common name: Compact Mini Lobelia
Habitat
Lobelia cardinalis is native to the Americas, from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and southwestern United States, Mexico and Central America to northern Colombia. It grows in wet places such as riparian zones, riverbanks, bogs and swamps where the roots stay consistently moist. In the wild the species reaches up to 1.2 m and bears vibrant red flowers.
Aquarium requirements
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required (beneficial)
- Maximum height: up to about 8 cm
- Placement: foreground
Growth and care
This is a slow-growing, compact plant. The very short internodes and rounded leaves keep it low, making it suitable for the foreground and midground of nano tanks. It tolerates cooler water in line with the species' temperate origin.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings; trimmed shoots are replanted into the substrate where they root and form new compact plants.