Bacopa Plant Information

Several different species of Bacopa are grown in the aquarium and in garden ponds including B. caroliniana and B. australis; the most popular is B. monnieri. These species all require the same basic care.

  1. Habitat

    • Bacopa is a marsh plant that likes moist swampy areas where it can grow in mud, immersed in a few inches of water, or completely submerged. It can tolerate some salt in the water and is native to coastal swamp areas.

    Description

    • It has small round green fleshy leaves that grow along trailing stems reaching about 10 to 12 inches long. At each node roots may sprout, anchor and spread the plant. Flowers are small, white and have five petals.

    Ponds

    • This plant works best as a marginal on the edges of ponds in just a few inches of water. It will spread onto the moist bank and out into the water with the end of the stems and flowers staying above the waterline.

    Aquariums

    • In the aquarium it needs medium to high light and is best planted in the back ground. Pinch off the stems regularly to keep the plant bushy or the stems will grow out of the top of the tank.

    Medicinal Uses

    • Bacopa has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat tumors, indigestion, spleen enlargements, anaemia and leprosy. It is also a laxative and said to be an aphrodisiac.