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Lobelia Cardinalis Mini care guide

Lobelia Cardinalis Mini (Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini') — medium light, 18-26 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.

Overview

Lobelia Cardinalis Mini (Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini') is an aquatic plant of the family Campanulaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. Dwarf Lobelia with shorter stems and compact bright-green leaves. Easy stem plant for foreground/midground in low-tech setups; develops bronze tones under stronger light.

Taxonomy

  • Family: Campanulaceae
  • Genus: Lobelia
  • Scientific name: Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini'
  • Common synonyms: Mini Cardinalis

Habitat

Lobelia cardinalis (Campanulaceae) is a North-American wetland plant that grows on damp banks, marshes and the margins of streams from southern Canada to Central America. It develops compact submersed growth when adapted to aquarium conditions. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from North America.

Growth requirements

  • Lighting: medium
  • CO2: not required
  • Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
  • pH: 6-7.5
  • GH: 3-14 °dGH
  • Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
  • Maximum height: 10 cm
  • Growth rate: medium
  • Recommended placement: foreground

Placement

Midground stem with rosette-like clusters of leaves; bright light and CO2 maintain the small compact submersed form, while emersed plants grow taller and produce red flower spikes. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the foreground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.

Propagation

Propagated by tip cuttings; replanted tops root reliably in nutrient-rich substrate within a week. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.

Common issues

Transition from emersed to submersed growth is slow and old leaves usually melt; stable parameters and patience allow the new submersed leaves to develop.

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