Bacopa australis

Scientific name: Bacopa australis

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 6 - 30 cm (2.36 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 0 - 30°N (0 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 29 °C (68 - 84.2°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Lateral shoots

Origin (in the wild): South America

How fast these plants grow: Fast

Recommended substrate: Gravel

Demands on lighting: Medium

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Origin

South America; Bacopa australis plants are found in Brazil.

Lighting Requirements

Bright to medium lighting is recommended for this species; if brighter lighting is used the plant will grow low and spread like a carpet.

Propagation

Lateral shoots; in order to reproduce this plant remove the side shoots from the plant and remove the bottom leaves to reveal a bare stem at the bottom of the cutting. This is then simply placed into the substrate, take care not to crush the base of the stem, and it will soon root to form a new plant. When first planted ensure that there are plenty of nutrients to promote the root growth.

Difficulty

Easy

Short Description

It is a common mistake to think that this plant originates from Australia when you look at its Latin name, this is not the case. The word australis actually means southern as it was first discovered in Southern Brazil. If given the correct lighting the leaves will develop a reddish colouration and it is a very easy plant to grow.