Description
Bacopa caroliniana has been around in the hobby for many years. Its origins lie in the southeast of the USA, where it is found in marshes, submersed as well as emersed. Several forms of this species are in cultivation, among others a smaller-leaved form and a variegated form. The latter is not too different from the standard form, though. One of the most striking characteristics of this plant is the lemon scent the leaves emit when crushed. The basis of the ovate leaves encloses the stem entirely.
Complete botanical name
Bacópa caroliniána (Walter) B.L.Rob.
Family
Plantaginaceae
Genus
Bacopa
Difficulty
easy
Usage
Background, Midground, Street (Dutch style)
Height
20 – 60cm
Width
3 – 6cm
Growth
medium
pH value
5 – 7
Temperature tolerance
4 – 29°C
Carbonate hardness
2 – 18°dKH
General hardness
0 – 30°dGH
Propagation
Cuttings
Can grow emersed?
yes
Source
Flowgrow
Bacopa Caroliniana Care in Singapore Aquariums
Bacopa caroliniana is a long-standing hobby staple and one of the most forgiving stem plants we hand to newer aquarists. Its thick, sturdy ovate leaves clasp the stem and hold their shape well, and famously they give off a faint lemon scent when crushed. The robust build means it shrugs off handling and the occasional curious fish far better than thin-leaved stems, which makes it reliable in busy community tanks across local flats.
Growth is medium rather than explosive, so it does not demand the constant trimming that faster stems do, a real plus for hobbyists short on time. It tolerates our soft, slightly acidic chloraminated tap water and ambient 27-29C without fuss, and stronger light tightens the internodes and can bring a bronze cast to the upper leaves. Propagate simply by cutting the tops and replanting them; the cuttings root and resume growing within days.
For a fuller reference see our Bacopa caroliniana care guide, and learn neat propagation in stem plant trim and replant. Find more easy stems in our background plants range.
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