Plant comparison
Java Fern vs Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'
How the Java Fern and Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Java Fern vs Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'
The Java Fern and the Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 26 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Java Fern is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Java Fern is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Java Fern20–28 °C
- Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'20–26 °C
pH
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
- Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
- Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |  PlantLobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'Lobelia cardinalis 'Small Form' |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Eastern North America (selectively bred dwarf form) |
| Family | Polypodiaceae | Campanulaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 20–26 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to High | Low to Medium |
| Max height | 15–35 cm | 5–15 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Light | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | None to Optional | Recommended |
| Growth rate | Slow | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Java Fern and Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 26 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Java Fern or the Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'?
The Java Fern is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' leans beginner-friendly.
Do Java Fern and Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 26 °C and pH 5.5 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Java Fern and the Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini'?
Placement and light. The Java Fern works as midground or background, the Lobelia Cardinalis 'Mini' as midground, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.