{"product_id":"dwarf-cardinal-live-aquarium-plant-compact-lobelia-cardinalis-for-structured-freshwater-aquascapes","title":"Dwarf Cardinal Live Aquarium Plant, Compact Lobelia cardinalis for Structured Freshwater Aquascapes","description":"\u003cp\u003eDwarf Cardinal is a live freshwater aquarium plant valued for compact growth, contrasting foliage, and a slower pace that makes shaping more manageable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts leaves display bright green upper surfaces, while the undersides can develop reddish to purplish tones under stronger lighting. Regular trimming encourages tidy, dense, bush-like growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse it in the foreground or midground when trimmed, or place it toward the background in larger aquariums. Dense growth can provide shelter for fry and small fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow-growing stem habit supports controlled layouts without aggressive spreading.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponds well to pruning and can be shaped into clean, structured bushes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModerate to high lighting helps maintain compact growth and enhances underside coloration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrimmed tops can be replanted to build greater density.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for low-tech through high-tech planted aquarium setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with peaceful community fish and invertebrates, including shrimp and snails.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScientific name: Lobelia cardinalis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlant form: Live freshwater stem plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative range: North America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended placement: Foreground or midground when trimmed; background in larger aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLighting: Moderate to high\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater temperature: 68–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003epH range: 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater hardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlanting: Insert stems directly into nutrient-rich aquarium substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCO₂: Optional; supplementation can improve growth form and color intensity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertilization: Regular fertilization supports healthy, vibrant foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintenance: Trim periodically to control height and encourage side shoots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering: Bright red flowers occur only during emersed growth above water; submerged growth does not flower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural variation: Plant size, coloration, and growth rate can vary with lighting, nutrients, and aquarium conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant Dwarf Cardinal where its green leaf tops and darker undersides can add depth and structure. Maintain the desired height through periodic trimming, then replant healthy cuttings to create a fuller grouping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Canton Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50315883020391,"sku":"SHP-1472-D24382","price":29.91,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/6209\/8279\/files\/7387518861472-main-001.jpg?v=1790211477","url":"https:\/\/cozypawwear.com\/products\/dwarf-cardinal-live-aquarium-plant-compact-lobelia-cardinalis-for-structured-freshwater-aquascapes","provider":"CozyPaw Wear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}