Lobelia Cardinalis Gigantea
Lobelia Cardinalis Gigantea
Lobelia Cardinalis Gigantea is the large-leaf form of Cardinal Plant, producing impressively broad and long bright green leaves on tall stems that can reach 16 inches — creating a bold, architectural midground to background presence quite different from the compact miniature form. The large leaf size and tall growth make Gigantea effective as a bold midground to background accent that creates strong visual structure and natural shelter for fish.
Care tip: Lobelia Cardinalis Gigantea grows best in moderate lighting with CO₂ not required. Maintain temperatures of 64–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.
Growing to 8 to 16 inches, Gigantea is the most substantial of the cardinalis varieties and is equally at home grown fully submerged or partially emersed above the waterline. When grown with stems extending above the water in open-top setups, Gigantea can develop its classic Cardinal Flower bloom — one of the most beautiful emersed flower displays achievable from any aquarium plant. Regular trimming controls height in fully submerged setups.
This easy plant requires no CO₂ supplementation and grows in moderate lighting. The exceptional temperature range of 64 to 82°F — one of the broadest of any aquarium plant — reflects the genuine cold tolerance of this North American species. A pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provides comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization supports the production of the large, impressive leaves.
In the aquascape, Lobelia Cardinalis Gigantea creates a bold, large-leaved midground to background focal point whose impressive leaf size provides scale and structure in larger planted aquariums. In open-top setups the emersed stems create the natural, wild appearance of cardinal flowers in their native stream habitats. Fish and shrimp of all kinds appreciate the broad leaves as shelter and resting surfaces.
Lobelia Cardinalis Gigantea is a magnificent large-leaved Cardinal Plant for aquarists with larger aquariums or open-top setups where its impressive scale can be fully appreciated. Its extraordinary temperature tolerance, easy care, and bold leaf size make it one of the most practically versatile and naturally beautiful aquatic plants available.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Placement | Midground |
| Max Height | 8–16 inches |
| Light Level | Moderate |
| Temperature | 64–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| CO2 Needs | Not Required |
| Origin | North America |
| Notes | The large-leaf form of Cardinal Plant producing impressively sized broad green leaves on tall stems up to 16 inches. Grows well both fully submerged and partially emersed — its natural growth habit spans both zones. The large leaf size and tall growth make it effective as a bold midground to background accent. Exceptionally cold-tolerant with one of the broadest temperature ranges of any aquarium plant. |
