Bacopa caroliniana - Tissue Culture

Bacopa caroliniana: The Classic Lemon Bacopa

Bacopa caroliniana, commonly known as Lemon Bacopa, Giant Red Bacopa, or Blue Waterhyssop, is one of the oldest and most popular stem plants/tissue cultures in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to wetlands and marshes across the southeastern United States and Cuba, this amphibious plant can thrive both fully submerged and emerged.

It is highly valued for its striking appearance and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarists. The plant features thick, fleshy, rounded leaves arranged in opposite pairs along a sturdy, upright stem. Its slow-to-moderate growth rate means it requires less frequent trimming than many other stem plants, making it a lower-maintenance background or midground addition.

The common name Lemon Bacopa comes from the light citrus or lemon-like scent released when the leaves are crushed. Under optimal conditions—specifically high-intensity lighting—the plant develops beautiful, warm tones, with the tips of the new growth turning shades of bronze, copper, or red, providing a fantastic contrast to all-green foliage.

Care Requirements & Planting:

• Difficulty: This is an Easy / Beginner-Friendly plant. It is highly adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of water conditions.
• Lighting: Requires Moderate light to grow green and healthy, but High-Intensity Lighting is essential to achieve the desirable red, bronze, or copper coloration on the new leaf tips.
• CO₂ Supplementation: Not Essential, but Highly Recommended. While it will survive without CO₂ injection, supplementing with 20 - 30 ppm of CO₂ will result in faster, more robust growth and significantly enhance the vibrancy and intensity of its red coloring.
• Substrate & Fertilization: It is a column and root feeder. It will grow in inert substrates like gravel or sand, but thrives in a Nutrient-Rich Substrate or with the aid of Root Tabs. Regular dosing of a complete Liquid Fertilizer containing macro- and micronutrients is recommended for best health. Supplemental Iron is key for deep coloration.
• Planting: Plant individual stems a few inches apart in the substrate. Trimming the bottom leaves before planting encourages faster root growth. Avoid overcrowding to ensure light reaches the lower leaves.
• Pruning: Due to its Slow to Moderate growth rate, frequent pruning is not required. Pruning the tops will encourage the plant to branch out laterally, creating a fuller, bushier appearance. Cuttings can be replanted to propagate new stems.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Bacopa caroliniana
• Primary Common Name: Lemon Bacopa
• Other Common Names: Giant Red Bacopa, Blue Waterhyssop
• Origin: North America (Southeastern U.S.A. and Cuba)
• Max Height: 8 - 24 inches (20 - 60+ cm)
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Difficulty: Easy
• CO₂: Recommended but not essential
• Lighting: Moderate to High (High for red/bronze color)
• Water Temperature: 68° to 82°F (20° to 28°C)
• pH Range: 6.0 - 8.0
• Placement: Midground / Background