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Bacopa Caroliniana - Giant Bacopa
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Reviews
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Views
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Date of last review
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1
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3396
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Thu July 3, 2008
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Recommended By
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Average Price
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Average Rating
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100% of reviewers
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None indicated
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8.0
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Description:
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Common Name: Giant Bacopa*
Scientific Name: Bacopa caroliniana
Light: Low to Very High
Co2: Not essential to growth
Level of Difficulty: Easy
*Occasionally referred to as Lemon Bacopa or Blue Water hyssop. The name “Lemon Bacopa” is derived from this species’ lemon-like scent.
Bacopa caroliniana is a perennial bog plant found throughout North America, particulary in the south-eastern United States. It is found in wetlands and marginal areas (and even in some brackish waters), though it also thrives in a submerged setting in the aquarium. B. caroliniana is a stem plant with leaves ranging from vibrant green to pink or bronze. This herbacious sprawling plant has leaves oppositely placed on the stem. If growth is allowed to break the surface, this species produces attractive small blue-purple flowers. Flowers will have between four and five petals.
This plant is not difficult to provide for as it does not require CO2 or a heavy fertilization regimen. Lighting is a determining factor in growth; higher light levels provide for much nicer growth and health. If the lighting is high, the leaves can turn a beautiful bronze color, or even pink if phosphate, iron, and nitrate levels are conducive.
Due to its relatively slow growth (especially when compared to other stem plants), B. caroliniana makes for an undemanding choice in terms of maintenance. The best overall presentation is achieved by planting many stems in close proximity to one another to form a monospecific stand.
Propagation is simple. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the tops off of the stems. The stems can either be replanted in place of the previous bottom section, or they can be discarded or used in another area. The cut bottoms of the stems will regenerate sideshoots where the tops once were. This method, of pruning the tops off and leaving the bottom portions intact, promotes dense, bushy growth. In time, however, the bottoms may become leggy and root-covered and it is best to replace them with the tops once this begins to happen.
B. caroliniana is best suited for the midground and background of medium to large tanks.
Photos courtesy of Balloon Fish.
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