Description
Bacopa Caroliniana
Price per stem, grown submersed.
Overview
Bacopa caroliniana, commonly known as Lemon Bacopa, Water Hyssop, or Giant Red Bacopa, is a hardy, versatile aquatic plant native to the southeastern United States, found in wetlands, marshes, and ponds. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae or Scrophulariaceae family and is prized in the aquarium hobby for its vibrant green to reddish-bronze foliage, lemony scent when crushed, and ease of care. Its sturdy stems and oval, waxy leaves make it ideal for aquascaping, often used as a midground or background plant to add vertical interest or hide equipment. It can grow submerged or emersed, producing small blue or purple flowers in emersed conditions, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Care Requirements
Lighting: Requires moderate to high lighting (20–35 PAR). Bright light enhances reddish-bronze hues, while low light keeps leaves green and may cause leggy growth. A photoperiod of 8–10 hours daily is ideal.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 20–28°C, though it tolerates cooler temperatures down to 14°C.
- pH: 6.0–8.0.
- Water Hardness: 2–15 GH, adaptable to both soft and hard water.
Substrate: Grows well in nutrient-rich substrates like sand mixed with clay or aquatic compost. It can survive in gravel or sand with added root tabs or liquid fertilizers but may struggle to stay rooted without proper anchoring. It can also grow floating if nutrients are sufficient.
Nutrients: Not highly nutrient-demanding but benefits from weekly liquid fertilizers containing iron, potassium, and micronutrients to enhance growth and colouration. CO2 injection is optional but promotes faster growth and thicker leaves.
CO2: Not mandatory but recommended for vibrant colour and faster growth. Low CO2 levels can lead to muted colours, especially in high-tech tanks.
Tank Requirements: Prefers gentle to moderate water flow to distribute nutrients and CO2 effectively without stressing the plant. Ideal for freshwater aquariums, paludariums, or outdoor ponds.
Planting and Propagation
Planting:
- Select healthy stems (7–15cm long) and remove leaves from the bottom 5cm.
- Gently insert stems into the substrate using pincettes to avoid damage, ensuring they are deep enough to stay upright but not so deep as to cause rot.
- Use plant weights for stability if stems float. Space stems adequately to prevent nutrient competition.
Propagation:
- Stem Cuttings: Cut healthy stems just below a node with at least 3–4 leaf nodes. Remove lower leaves and plant in substrate or let float until roots form. Cuttings root quickly with adequate light and nutrients.
- Lateral Shoots: Snip side shoots from the main stem and replant. This encourages bushier growth.
- Division: Gently separate clustered stems and roots to plant elsewhere in the tank.
- Floating Leaves: Fallen leaves or trimmings can develop roots if left floating, then be replanted.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Regular pruning prevents overshadowing other plants and promotes denser, bushier growth. Trim tops and replant for propagation or discard to maintain desired shape. Use sharp scissors to avoid damaging fragile stems.
- Cleaning: Gently clean leaves during water changes to remove algae and debris, which can block light.
- Fertilization: Apply liquid fertilizers weekly or use slow-release root tabs in the substrate. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent algae growth.
- Water Changes: Regular water changes maintain water quality, reducing algae and supporting plant health.
- Equipment Hiding: Position Bacopa in the background to conceal filters or heaters, enhancing the tank’s natural look.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Melting: Poor water quality or transitioning from emersed to submerged growth can cause leaves to melt. Solution: Remove dying parts, monitor water parameters, and dose fertilizers.
- Algae Growth: Excessive light or nutrients can lead to algae on leaves. Solution: Reduce light intensity or duration, balance nutrients, and disinfect new plants before introduction.
- Floating Stems: Stems may uproot in loose substrates. Solution: Use plant weights or denser substrates and ensure proper planting depth.
- Slow Growth: Insufficient light, nutrients, or CO2 can slow growth. Solution: Increase light intensity, add fertilizers, or consider CO2 supplementation.
- Pests: New plants may introduce snails, dragonfly/damselfly nymphs, or chemical residues. Solution: Quarantine and disinfect plants before adding to the tank.
Tips:
- Use high-intensity lighting and iron supplements to achieve vibrant reddish hues.
- Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness, especially in smaller tanks.
- Monitor water parameters weekly to prevent melting or nutrient deficiencies.
- Avoid overcrowding when planting to ensure adequate nutrient access.
Recommendation
- Tank Placement: Use as a background or midground plant to create depth or hide equipment. Its slow to moderate growth rate suits low-maintenance setups.
- Fertilizer Choices: Use liquid fertilizers like Easy Green or root tabs for consistent nutrient supply. Iron and potassium enhance colouration.
- Lighting Setup: Invest in a full-spectrum LED light (e.g., 45 PAR at 60cm) for optimal growth and colour.
- Propagation Strategy: Regularly propagate via cuttings to fill out the tank or share with other aquarists. Replant trimmings immediately for best results.
- Ecosystem Benefits: Bacopa oxygenates water, removes excess nutrients, and provides shelter for fish and shrimp, making it a functional and aesthetic addition.
