Bacopa monnieri

Scientific name: Bacopa monnieri

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Maximum size reached under cultivation: 25 - 50 cm (9.84 - 19.69 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.3 - 8.8

Recommended water hardness: 8 - 30°dGH (142.86 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 27 °C (68 - 80.6°F)

Preferred propagation method: Cuttings

Native to: Cosmopolitan

Growth rate: Slow

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Lighting requirements: Bright

Ideal placement in tank: Background

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Common Names

• Water Hyssop
• Brahmi
• Coastal Waterhyssop
• Thyme-leafed Gratiola

Propagation

Bacopa monnieri propagates easily via stem cuttings. Simply trim a healthy stem and remove the lower leaves to expose a section of bare stem. Insert it gently into fine gravel or nutrient-rich substrate. It will form roots quickly and begin growing as an independent plant. The plant can also root from nodes that come into contact with moist surfaces, especially in emersed or paludarium setups.

Difficulty

Easy. This plant is well-suited for beginners thanks to its hardiness, wide tolerance to water conditions, and flexibility in submerged or emersed environments.

Short Description

Bacopa monnieri is a popular and versatile aquatic plant with a trailing or upright growth habit. Native to wet and tropical regions around the world, it thrives in both fully submerged aquariums and semi-aquatic paludariums. Its fleshy, rounded leaves are light green and retain their form underwater. When grown emersed, it may produce small pale purple flowers and develop slightly thicker leaves.

Its adaptability makes it a favorite for aquascapes that include transitional or marginal zones. In aquariums, it serves well as a background or corner plant, providing height and contrast. In emersed or open-top settings, it can even be trained to grow over hardscape elements or gently cascade downward.

Maintenance and Care

This species prefers bright lighting, stable temperatures between 20–27°C (68–80.6°F), and a pH of 6.3–8.8. It tolerates a wide range of water hardness, from soft to hard water. Supplementing with CO₂ and liquid fertilizers will improve color and density, though it is not essential for survival. Regular trimming helps maintain a bushy form and prevents the lower stems from becoming bare due to shading.

Compatibility

Bacopa monnieri is compatible with most peaceful tropical fish and invertebrates. Its soft stems and delicate leaves may be damaged by rough fish or plant-eaters, so avoid placing it with large herbivores. It is also a good choice for shrimp tanks, where it offers gentle cover and helps stabilize water conditions.

Submersion and Aquascaping

This plant can grow fully submerged or emersed, making it highly suitable for aquariums, paludariums, and open-top tanks. In aquascaping, it’s typically used in the background or corners, where its upright stems add structure and height. Under bright light, it may develop a reddish hue at the tips. Emersed growth may lead to flowering, especially in high-humidity setups.