Cool-temperate northern Europe (including Britain and Ireland) and both coasts of North America
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
8 cm
Temperature
4–20°C
pH
5–7
Hardness
0–5 dGH
Care level
expert
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 helpful
Care
Water lobelia is an evergreen plant of clear, soft, nutrient-poor lakes in northern Europe and North America, growing in shallow water (usually under 1 m) on sandy, peaty or rocky shores. It forms rosettes of thick, almost cylindrical leaves 2.5–7.5 cm long and sends flower stems up above the water with white to pale blue flowers. Such lakes are sometimes called "Lobelia lakes". It is a specialist plant: it is very sensitive to nutrient enrichment and needs cool, very soft water and a low-nutrient sandy substrate. It does not suit tropical tanks and will slowly fail in warm or hard water. Grow it in a cool, soft-water tank or a carefully managed pond. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Wild plants should not be collected; buy only cultivated stock. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobeliadortmanna); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Spreads slowly by short runners; separate young rosettes once rooted. It also sets seed from capsules above the water.
Compatibility and tank mates
Best in unheated or coldwater tanks and ponds with temperate fish such as minnows, sticklebacks or small goldfish; large goldfish and koi may eat or uproot it. It suits tropical tanks poorly over the long term.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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