Cultivated selection (parent species native to North and Central America)
Overview
Lobelia cardinalis Wavy is an easy stem plant that grows into a tidy midground bush. Use it the way you would standard Lobelia.
Did you know
The parent of Lobelia cardinalis Wavy is the cardinal flower, famous for scarlet blooms pollinated by hummingbirds. Submersed in an aquarium it never flowers, so Wavy trades that show for ruffled foliage you can keep underwater.
Caring for Lobelia cardinalis Wavy
Plant Lobelia cardinalis Wavy as a loose group in the midground, in a free, well-lit spot. Its pale green, spoon-shaped leaves read calm next to fine-leaved stems.
Medium light suits it. CO2 is not required, but it tightens the growth. It feeds through its roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help. It grows at 64 to 79°F (18 to 26°C).
Growth is moderate, which keeps maintenance light. Top the main shoot now and then to force side shoots, and the group thickens on its own. Failure modes are few, mostly shading. A leggy neighbor flopping over it will cost the lower leaves.
Good to know
Lobelia cardinalis Wavy is a selection of Lobelia cardinalis in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae, an unusual family for an aquarium plant. The genus honors the botanist Matthias de l'Obel. The cultivar name describes the leaf margins, which pucker and wave where the standard plant's are flat. Leaf size matches the ordinary form, but the submersed habit is noticeably bushier and more compact.
In the wild
Lobelia cardinalis Wavy is a nursery selection and does not occur in the wild. Its parent grows on wet stream banks and marsh edges from eastern North America down into Central America. There it stands emersed for most of the year and flowers above the water. Wavy is farm-grown emersed before being converted in the aquarium.
Common questions
Is Lobelia cardinalis Wavy a different species from Lobelia cardinalis?
No. Lobelia cardinalis Wavy is a form of Lobelia cardinalis. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 11.8 in (30 cm) for the species.
Does Lobelia cardinalis Wavy need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.
Does Lobelia cardinalis Wavy need CO2?
No. Lobelia cardinalis Wavy grows well without added CO2.
How much light does Lobelia cardinalis Wavy need?
Lobelia cardinalis Wavy wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Lobelia cardinalis Wavy need root tabs?
They help. Lobelia cardinalis Wavy takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate Lobelia cardinalis Wavy?
Lobelia cardinalis Wavy propagates by side shoots and cuttings. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots.
How tall does Lobelia cardinalis Wavy grow?
Lobelia cardinalis Wavy grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
High lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Medium lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
High lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Low lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Medium lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Medium lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)