Lemon Bacopa or Bacopa caroliniana is a beautiful and versatile aquatic plant that is easy to care for and can brighten up any living space.
It can tolerate even the smallest of aquariums, grows quickly, and adds a pop of color to whatever container it is placed in.
With its appealing lemon hue and hardy nature, Lemon Bacopa is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarium enthusiasts looking for a unique and eye-catching decoration.
Read on to learn how to properly care for your Lemon Bacopa to ensure it will thrive and flourish in your home.
| Quick Stats: | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bacopa caroliniana |
| Common Name | Lemon Bacopa, Blue Water Hyssop |
| Family Name | Plantaginaceae |
| Habitat | Freshwater Aquarium |
| Temperature | 75°F to 80°F |
| Height | 10 to 20 cm |
| pH | 6.0 to 8.0 |
| Lighting | Moderate |
What is a Lemon Bacopa?
Bacopa caroliniana is an ideal option for a freshwater aquarium or paludarium.
It exhibits a beautiful, aquatic blue color and can grow to a height of 10 to 20 cm long.
The plant is fast-growing and has a delicate, bushy look while growing in a clump.
Bacopa caroliniana belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is an easily recognizable plant due to its blueish foliage.
Lemon Bacopa Facts
The blue-violet Lupin flower of Bacopa caroliniana attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.
As a freshwater plant, Lemon Bacopa is often used in aquariums to add oxygen, control algae, and improve water quality.
Also, it is known for its ability to combat stress within fish, thus resulting in a healthier environment.
Description
This plant grows in clumps at the bottom of the aquarium.
Bacopa caroliniana has slightly terete leaves with a light green to blueish hue.
The small, blue flowers of the plant can reach up to two centimeters long and have four petals with yellow middles.
Habitat
In the wild, Bacopa caroliniana is found in moist, damp areas with a significant amount of shade.
It is often seen clinging onto the sides of rocks, in shallow areas of a pond or lake, or around the shoreline.
It prefers elevated temperatures, so it is mostly native to tropical and semi-tropical regions.
pH Preference
The ideal pH range for Bacopa caroliniana is 6.0 to 8.0.
Higher pH levels than those would cause the blue color of the plant to fade, causing the plant to appear more green than blue.
Maintaining a consistent pH level ensures the plant will stay healthy and receive optimum health benefits.
Vivarium Type
The Lemon Bacopa is quite an easy-going species.
With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when it comes to choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in.
It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs.
The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant.
Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
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- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
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- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
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- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
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- Aquarium– Fully aquatic-based enclosure with little to no dry terrain.
Vivarium Placement
In a freshwater aquarium, Bacopa can be placed at the forefront of the tank as a bit of cover/ground cover for aquarium fish.
It also works well in aquariums with very mild lighting, making it an ideal choice for a low-lighting tank.
It’s also aesthetically pleasing for amphibian tanks, as it gives the tank a serene, lush look.
Substrate
Bacopa caroliniana does best when planted on a soft, nutrient-rich aquatic substrate. This can be achieved with a mix of sand, gravel, and soil.
Lighting
Bacopa caroliniana grows best at temperatures up to 80°F, which is why it’s often used in tanks with very mild lighting.
However, the amount of light should not be so low that the foliage of the plant fades in color.
For the plant to maintain its blue color, provide enough light to keep the plant in question from fading.
Buy Lemon Bacopa
When it comes to buying Bacopa caroliniana, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to find out more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Lemon Bacopa Care and Propagation
When caring for Bacopa caroliniana, one must remember not to neglect it from healthy water parameters or poor lighting.
To propagate the plant, simply cut a stem from the main plant and replant it in an appropriate substrate.
How to Grow
Bacopa caroliniana can grow very quickly in the right environment.
Keep the water temperature at the ideal levels and provide adequate lighting.
Furthermore, be sure not to give the plant too much light, as it can cause it to become pale or start degrading.
Water Requirements
Bacopa caroliniana should be watered every few days to maintain adequate humidity and keep the substrate slightly damp.
It’s best to use a siphon, as overwatering can cause root rot. If the plant begins to wilt, that is a sign it may need more water.
Plants Similar to Lemon Bacopa
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup.
Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find the Lemon Bacopa hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this aquarium plant…
Here are other aquatic plants you might find will do well with or in place of Bacopa caroliniana:
Conclusion
Lemon Bacopa is an outstanding choice for a vivarium plant.
With its vibrant colors and interesting foliage, it can transform any aquarium and add a dash of tropical flair.
Not only is Lemon Bacopa low-maintenance and easy to grow, but it also thrives in a variety of environments, making it a great option for both experienced and novice gardeners.
With proper care and regular maintenance, your Lemon Bacopa will have your enclosure looking lush and vibrant for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bacopa caroliniana is easy to grow. It is a hardy, low–maintenance aquatic plant that can be easily propagated and grown in aquariums, containers, and in outdoor ponds.
1. Fill the aquarium with enough water to cover the base of the Bacopa caroliniana.
2. Place the Bacopa caroliniana in the water and gently press down the roots into the substrate.
3. Keep the Bacopa caroliniana in a bright, well-lit area in the aquarium.
4. Monitor the water temperature and pH of the aquarium, making sure they remain stable.
5. Add 1-2 tablespoons of fertilizer every month to promote growth. (BONUS)
6. Trim any overgrown stems as necessary.
This Bacopa species is edible and sometimes used in salads or as a seasoning
Yes, Bacopa caroliniana can spread, as it is capable of producing stems from its base and forming large clumps.
Yes, bacopa can be a floating plant. It is an easy–to–grow aquatic plant with trailing stems that bear small, two–lipped flowers. It prefers slow–moving, warm water and can tolerate low light conditions, making it a popular floating plant for aquarists.