Bacopa caroliniana | A Sturdy Stem Plant For Your Aquarium

Working on your latest aquascape and still looking for a nice background plant? We've got just the thing: lemon Bacopa, scientifically known as Bacopa caroliniana. This pretty stem plant sports small, rounded leaves and an upright growth pattern, making it the perfect way to add some texture to your underwater garden.

Below, find everything you need to know about Bacopa caroliniana and how to keep this plant alive in your home aquarium. Given the species' sturdiness and undemanding nature, we don't expect anyone will have trouble growing it!

What is Bacopa caroliniana?

Say hello to an all-American aquarium plant! Bacopa caroliniana is naturally found in the southern USA, as well as Cuba, where it grows in marshy areas where the water level is often subject to seasonal changes. It has evolved to adapt perfectly to its natural habitat and by developing the ability to grow both above and below the water level.

Its looks and adaptibility have made B. caroliniana a favorite among aquarists. You don't need a high-tech set-up, nor loads of light and Co2 injection to grow this plant. Sure, it appreciates all these things and will show quicker growth, but it's also suitable for beginners and low-tech tanks.

Bacopa caroliniana is not difficult to recognize. This is a creeping, herby plant whose small, rounded leaves actually smell somewhat of lemon when crushed. The stems grow upright towards the light and can reach a height of up to 15. Under strong lighting, the foliage can take on a bronze of reddish hue.

Bacopa can bloom in the aquarium: its pretty flowers are tiny and blueish-purple in color.

Did you know? Bacopa caroliniana plants grown underwater (submersed) develop softer, more delicate leaves and stems. When grown above water (emersed), their foliage becomes thicker and more fleshy, almost like a succulent.

Bacopa caroliniana varieties

Unlike many other common aquarium plants, which have been extensively hybridized and selectively bred to produce all sorts of different cultivar, there aren't that many varieties of lemon Bacopa to choose from. Most stores limit themselves to the regular wild form.

The other currently available Bacopa caroliniana varieties are:

• B. caroliniana 'Yellow Flame': with more yellow-tinged leaves, usually orange at the tips.
• B. caroliniana 'Colorata': with stronger reddish coloration.

Bacopa caroliniana requirements

As we've mentioned, one of the main reasons fishkeepers are so crazy about this plant is its easy care. Unfussy about water parameters and temperature, it will grow in almost any type of aquarium as long as at least medium lighting is provided (a PAR of 30-50 µmol is great).

Like most aquarium plants, lemon Bacopa will grow better in water dosed with liquid nutrients and Co2. Luckily, though, these things are not a must to grow it, nor are root tablets or an enriched substrate. If you don't mind slower growth (and remember, that means less time spent pruning!), it's usually fine to keep things simple.

For the best results, regularly snip the tops off your Bacopa caroliniana plant's stems. It seems counterproductive, but actually stimulates new growth and the formation of offshoots, making for a fuller look. Plus, you can plant the cuttings back into the substrate to root, expanding your Bacopa "forest"!

Bacopa caroliniana uses

As a stem plant that can reach a considerable height, Bacopa caroliniana is best suited for the background area in most tanks. Its little rounded leaves make it perfect for breaking up the texture of other stem plants, and under high light it can even provide a pretty pop of color.

By the way: because B. caroliniana can grow both submersed and emersed, it's also a great option for paludariums. In these types of tanks, which feature both water and land areas, you'll be able to admire both of the plant's growth forms. It should even do well in moist terrariums.

Buying Bacopa caroliniana

As it's such a popular aquarium plant, most local fish stores should carry Bacopa caroliniana. Keep an eye out for the colored versions! You may even be find the species grown in-vitro, which is more expensive but guarantees the plant is 100% free of snails, algae, and other annoying stuff you don't want in your tank.

You can also order online. The Shrimp Farm sells healthy, fresh Bacopa caroliniana cuttings and ships them right to your doorstep!