Bacopa australis

Scientific name: Bacopa australis

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Maximum size reached under cultivation: 6 - 30 cm (2.36 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.2 - 7.9

Recommended water hardness: 0 - 30°dGH (0 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 29 °C (68 - 84.2°F)

Preferred propagation method: Cuttings

Native to: South America

Growth rate: Fast

Recommended substrate: Gravel

Lighting requirements: Medium

Ideal placement in tank: Background

Common Name

Bacopa australis, Southern Bacopa (less common)

Origin

Bacopa australis is native to South America, particularly to southern regions of Brazil. Despite the species name “australis,” which means “southern,” this plant does not originate from Australia — a common misconception.

Growing Conditions

This species thrives in both submerged and emersed conditions. In aquariums, it prefers to be fully submerged, where it forms compact stems with delicate green leaves. Under bright lighting, the plant may develop a subtle reddish hue, especially on newer growth. It grows rapidly and can adapt well to a wide range of water parameters, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

Bacopa australis prefers a gravel substrate and performs best with medium to bright lighting. With sufficient light, it can grow low and spread horizontally, creating a beautiful carpet-like effect. In lower light, it will grow taller and reach for the surface.

Planting Area

This plant can be used in the midground or background of an aquarium. In nano tanks, it works well in the background, while in larger tanks, it can be planted more densely in the midground. When grown under intense light, it may even function as a foreground carpeting plant.

Propagation

Bacopa australis is easily propagated through cuttings. Simply take a healthy stem from the mother plant, remove the bottom pair of leaves, and gently insert the stem into the substrate without damaging it. The cutting will quickly develop roots and form a new plant.

While propagation via lateral shoots is also possible, this method occurs less frequently in aquariums. Shoots that grow from the sides of mature stems can be carefully separated and replanted, but most aquarists rely on direct stem cuttings due to simplicity and speed.

Difficulty

Bacopa australis is an easy-to-grow plant, suitable for beginners. It tolerates a broad range of conditions and responds well to basic maintenance. Providing stable water parameters, light, and nutrients will ensure healthy, vibrant growth.

Short Description

Bacopa australis is a fast-growing aquatic plant prized for its delicate appearance and flexibility in aquascapes. Whether used as a bushy background or a low-growing carpet, it adapts beautifully to a variety of layouts. Its ability to grow submerged or emersed makes it suitable for aquariums, open-top tanks, and high-humidity paludariums where the base remains wet or shallowly submerged. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth, and propagation via cuttings allows easy expansion throughout the tank.