Care Guide
Creeping jenny, moneywort, others
Lobelia Cardinalis Small Form
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Mid-ground with regular trimming
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch
About This Plant
Lysimachia nummularia is an old-time aquarium main-stay. It is also regularly used as a plant for the margins of ornamental ponds and even in hanging baskets. While, like most plants, it is at its best with supplemental Co2 and good nutrition, it will also survive in tanks without supplemental CO2, especially if the water temperatures are not too warm.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Creeping jenny, moneywort, others
- Scientific name
- Lobelia Cardinalis Small Form
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Native to
- Europe, but naturalized in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Undemanding, but does best with supplemental CO2 and good nutrition.
- Lighting
- Moderate
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Mid-ground with regular trimming
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Place in the midground between foreground carpets and tall background stems. The structure adds visual depth and shelters small fish and shrimp. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Common Care Issues
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Creeping jenny, moneywort, others need?
Creeping jenny, moneywort, others (Lobelia Cardinalis Small Form) prefers moderate lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Creeping jenny, moneywort, others need CO2?
CO2 supplementation is recommended for best growth and color. Liquid carbon (Easy Carbon, Excel) is a workable substitute, though pressurized CO2 produces the strongest results.
Is Creeping jenny, moneywort, others good for beginners?
Creeping jenny, moneywort, others is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Creeping jenny, moneywort, others grow?
Growth rate is moderate. Most aquarists trim every 3-4 weeks under standard conditions.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Creeping jenny, moneywort, others?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Creeping jenny, moneywort, others — $23.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100