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Lobelia cardinalis ‘Mini’ Care Sheet

(Terrarium & Aquarium Guide)

Overview

Lobelia cardinalis ‘Mini’ is a dwarf variant of the classic Cardinal Plant. It maintains the same lush green-to-red hues but grows more compact, making it ideal for nano aquariums, foreground planting, and smaller terrarium landscapes. Unlike the standard form, it rarely exceeds 5–10 cm in height under submerged conditions.

 

1. Care in a Terrarium

Environment & Placement

  • Type: Marginal / bog plant; best used in humid terrariums or paludariums.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light. Under intense grow lights, its colors deepen (hints of reddish tones).

  • Temperature: 18°C – 28°C. Avoid drops below 12°C.

  • Humidity: 70–90% (perfect for closed terrariums).

  • Substrate: Moist, nutrient-rich soil or a mix of sphagnum moss, sand, and fine organics.

  • Watering: Keep consistently moist but avoid stagnant water pools unless it’s near a water feature.

 

Growth & Maintenance

  • Growth Habit: Very compact clumps (1/3rd the size of regular Lobelia cardinalis). Ideal for foreground “borders” in terrarium scapes.

  • Pruning: Pinch tips to maintain compactness and encourage lateral shoots.

  • Fertilization: Every 4–6 weeks with diluted liquid fertilizer (¼ strength).

 

2. Care in an Aquarium

Planting & Placement

  • Light: Medium to high lighting (redder tones under intense light).

  • CO₂: Not essential, but CO₂ greatly enhances compactness and color intensity.

  • Substrate: Prefers nutrient-rich substrates or root tabs.

  • Temperature: 20°C – 28°C.

  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

 

Growth Characteristics

  • Form: Naturally stays under 5–10 cm high, making it an excellent foreground plant. Leaves are smaller, rounder, and densely packed.

  • Pruning: Trim older stems and replant healthy tops for a carpet-like effect.

  • Fertilization: Weekly liquid fertilizers + iron supplements for vibrant color.

 

3. Common Problems

  • Fading Color: Not enough light or iron deficiency.

  • Melting Transition: Normal when moving from emersed to submerged growth; new submerged leaves will appear.

  • Slow Growth: Caused by insufficient nutrients or low light.

 

Quick Tips

  • Ideal for nano tanks and compact terrarium layouts.

  • Best planted in groups of 5–10 stems for a dense look.

  • Trim often—untrimmed stems tend to elongate and lose the tight "mini" look.

Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' plug

R112.00Price
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    All pictures are just for demonstrative purposes.

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