In StockShips Damp-PackedShips Mon–ThuWeather Protected
No reviews
Regular price
$7.99 USD
Regular price
$7.99 USD
Sale price
$7.99 USD
0% OFF
Sold out
Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+
Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+
Quantity
Couldn't load pickup availability
100% Live Arrival Guarantee
Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Easy
Light
Medium
CO₂
Not required
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Dwarf Cardinal Plant$7.99
Species Profile
Dwarf Cardinal Plant
Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form'
Why We Love This Plant
Selected for shrimp tanks
Improves water quality
No CO₂ required
Beginner-friendly
Dwarf Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form') is a compact stem plant with rounded, slightly cupped leaves in bright green on top and a soft purple-violet underside. The color contrast between the leaf surfaces gives this plant a distinctive two-tone appearance, especially visible as the stems grow and leaves angle outward. It ships as a small bunch of cut stems, lead-weighted together at the base.
The 'Small Form' stays more compact than the standard Lobelia cardinalis, which makes it useful in a wider range of tank sizes. Grows under medium light without CO2, though the purple undersides are more vivid under stronger light. The stems should be separated, trimmed at the base, and planted individually.
Care Notes
Dwarf Cardinal Plant grows under medium light and tolerates a wide range of parameters. CO2 is not required but helps the plant develop more vivid purple undersides and grow more compactly. Liquid fertilizer, especially with iron, supports good color.
Trim tall stems and replant the tops to keep the bunch dense. The compact form stays shorter than standard Lobelia cardinalis — a more manageable midground option.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Easy
Temperature
68–80°F
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Light Req.
Medium
CO₂
Not required
Placement
Remove lead weight. Separate bunch into individual stems....
What’s Included
Healthy live plants
Damp-packed bags
Packed with damp protective material
Free at $75+
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Plant
01
Green Top, Purple Underside
Each leaf has a bright green upper surface and a soft purple-violet underside — a two-tone combination that shows as the stems grow and leaves angle outward.
02
Compact Midground Form
The 'Small Form' stays more compact than standard Lobelia cardinalis — a useful midground stem option in tanks where the full-size variety would be too tall.
03
Selected for Shrimp Tanks
Selected for shrimp tanks and handled with invertebrate safety in mind.
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
Separate the bunch into individual stems and plant each stem an inch apart. The two-tone leaf color is best appreciated when the stems grow tall enough for the leaves to angle outward. Give it bright light to bring out the purple undersides more vividly.
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
1
Order Your Plants
Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.
2
Inspected & Trimmed
Every plant is inspected and trimmed if needed before packing. We avoid dry or brittle portions and only ship healthy, viable plant material.
3
Packed for the Weather
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+. Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Packed Fresh for Your Aquarium
Every plant is inspected, trimmed when needed, and packed damp so it arrives ready for your aquarium. We avoid dry or brittle portions and pack plants with the same care we use for every order that leaves our facility.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Aquariums on-site \u2014 we know what plants thrive
48+
States served with safe plant delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Packed Damp & FreshFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Dwarf Cardinal Plant FAQ
Is Dwarf Cardinal Plant safe for shrimp?+
Yes — Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form' is great for shrimp tanks. We select plants for shrimp tanks and handle them with invertebrate safety in mind.
How do I plant the bunch?+
Remove the lead weight, separate the bunch into individual stems, and trim about half an inch off the bottom of each. Push each stem about an inch into substrate, spaced an inch apart.
How tall does it get?+
The 'Small Form' stays more compact than standard Lobelia cardinalis. Regular topping keeps it at a useful midground height.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Adding livestock to your order unlocks free 2-Day Shipping at $120+ or free Overnight at $200+.
Do I need CO2 or fertilizer?+
No. Dwarf Cardinal Plant grows under medium light without CO2. Iron-rich liquid dosing brings out the purple undersides more vividly but is not required.
How do I get stronger purple color?+
Brighter light and iron-rich dosing make the purple undersides more vivid. Under lower light the color is less distinct.
How is it shipped?+
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it. Plants typically ship Monday through Thursday so they avoid sitting over the weekend.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — Live Plant Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photograph the plant in its original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting, and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.
