Andy Pierce
Member
Now that the plant is settled in and well-established (5 months) it’s at 17 cm and while the tops are attractive, it has an exposed bare understory layer with plentiful “aerial” roots – at least that’s what they’d be called if the plant weren’t underwater – that are somewhat unsightly. I’m not sure what to do now, so I'm looking for advice. Some possibilities that come to mind are to plant something smaller in front to hide the bare stemmy rooty patches which would need something that doesn’t mind being shaded (recommendations please, something in a darker green might be nice), or alternatively is there a trimming method for the lobelia that would keep it small(er) and filled in on the bottom, as it was a couple months after it was planted? I suppose the lobelia could be removed and replaced with something else, but I like the pretty bright green appearance of the leaves and it is thriving in the tank. It might also be possible take the front lobelia plants out I suppose and leave one or two in the back which would then give some room with more light for something else to be put in front.
Any thoughts on where to go from here?

Blog link: Lobelia cardinalis ‘wavy’ – what to do now?, Fireplace aquarium
Any thoughts on where to go from here?

Blog link: Lobelia cardinalis ‘wavy’ – what to do now?, Fireplace aquarium