Description
Bacopa Monnieri
Price for 1 stem, grown submerged.
Overview
Bacopa monnieri, commonly known as water hyssop or Brahmi, is a versatile aquatic plant popular in aquariums for its attractive appearance and relatively easy care. Native to wetlands in tropical and subtropical regions, it’s a perennial herb that can grow both submerged and emersed. In aquariums, it’s valued for its bright green, fleshy leaves and delicate white or pale purple flowers when grown emersed. It’s often used in aquascaping for midground or background placement due to its upright growth and bushy appearance.
For those of you with ponds: Pot this one and place it in a semi-shallow area near the edge and let it creep along the surface of the water and around the edges. If your pond is earth then plant near the edge in the shallow areas.
Care Requirements
Lighting:
Moderate to high lighting (30–50 µmol PAR for low-tech setups; higher for lush growth). Insufficient light causes leggy growth or leaf loss.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C).
- pH: 6.0–8.0.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–15 dGH).
Substrate:
Nutrient-rich substrate (e.g., aquasoil) promotes better growth, but it can grow in gravel or sand with root tabs or liquid fertilizers.
Nutrients:
Requires regular fertilization, especially iron and micronutrients, to maintain vibrant green leaves. Liquid fertilizers or root tabs work well.
CO2:
Not required but benefits from low to moderate CO2 supplementation (5–15 ppm) for faster, denser growth.
Tank Requirements:
Prefers gentle to moderate water flow to avoid damage to its delicate stems.
Planting and Propagation
Planting:
- Plant stems 1–2 inches deep into the substrate, spacing them 1–2 inches apart for a bushy effect.
- For a carpet-like appearance, plant shorter cuttings closer together and ensure high light.
- Can be grown emersed in paludariums or floating for a different aesthetic.
Propagation:
- Easily propagated by cutting healthy stems (3–4 inches long) and replanting them in the substrate.
- Side shoots can also be trimmed and replanted.
- Healthy plants produce runners or side shoots naturally, which can be separated and replanted.
Maintenance
- Trimming: Regular pruning is necessary to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth. Trim the tops to encourage bushier growth or remove leggy lower stems.
- Cleaning: Remove dead or decaying leaves to prevent algae buildup and maintain water quality.
- Fertilization: Dose liquid fertilizers weekly or use root tabs every 4–6 weeks, depending on tank setup.
- Monitoring: Check for signs of nutrient deficiency (yellowing leaves) or algae growth, which may indicate insufficient light or nutrient imbalance.
Challenges and Tips
Challenges:
- Algae Growth: Bacopa’s broad leaves can attract algae in low-flow or high-light tanks without proper nutrient balance.
- Melting: New plants may shed leaves when adjusting to new tank conditions, especially if water parameters or lighting differ significantly.
- Slow Growth: In low-light or nutrient-poor conditions, growth can be sluggish, and plants may appear sparse.
Tips:
- Transition new plants gradually by acclimating them to your tank’s parameters to reduce melting.
- Use a balanced fertilizer regimen to prevent deficiencies; iron supplements enhance leaf color.
- Pair with algae-eating species like shrimp or otocinclus to keep leaves clean.
- Ensure adequate water circulation to prevent debris buildup on leaves.
- If growth is slow, increase lighting or CO2 gradually and monitor plant response.
Recommendation
- Tank Setup: Ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists due to its forgiving nature. Best suited for tropical freshwater tanks with moderate lighting and nutrient-rich substrates.
- Companions: Pairs well with other plants like Anubias, Java fern, or carpeting plants like Dwarf Hairgrass.
- Compatible with peaceful fish (e.g., tetras, rasboras) and invertebrates like cherry shrimp.
- Aquascaping: Use in midground or background for vertical structure or as a floating plant for surface cover. Combine with driftwood or rocks for a natural look.
- Sourcing: Purchase from reputable aquarium plant suppliers or propagate from healthy cuttings to ensure disease-free stock.
- Special Note: Bacopa monnieri is also known for its medicinal properties in herbal medicine, but in aquariums, focus on its aesthetic and ecological role (oxygenation, nutrient absorption).
