Bacopa caroliniana

Scientific name: Bacopa caroliniana

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 20 - 30 cm (7.87 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.8 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 8°N (71.43 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Lateral shoots

Origin (in the wild): North America

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Common Name

Bacopa caroliniana is known as Blue water hyssop.

Lighting Requirements

Bright to medium.

Propagation

The plant reproduces by lateral shoots as mentioned above; It is necessary to remove the side shoots from the original plant and then remove the bottom leaves in order to reveal a bare stem at the bottom of the cutting. This is then simply placed into the substrate, always take care not to crush the base of the stem. It will soon root to form a new plant. Plant fertilisers should be used when these are first added to a new tank in order to promote the root growth.

Difficulty

An easy plant to grow in home aquariums.

Short Description

In its own habitat this plant is found in bog land but is just as happy under the water as partially submerged. This plant will flower readily but in the aquarium the flowers will rot very quickly and normally seeds will not form. The level of lighting will affect the colouration of the leaves; with bright lighting the leaves will have a reddish appearance.