Purple Bacopa - Tissue Culture

Purple Bacopa: The Easy-Care, Colorful Stem Plant

The Purple Bacopa is most often a variant of Bacopa caroliniana (sometimes incorrectly sold as B. colorata or B. salzmannii 'Purple'). The classic B. caroliniana tissue culture is known for its hardiness and ease of care, and the purple variant is a stunning color accent that maintains much of that beginner-friendly nature.

Unlike other colorful tissue cultures that require extremely high lighting and CO₂ to show color, the Purple Bacopa tends to maintain its beautiful lavender to deep purple hue even under moderate light. Its sturdy, round leaves and upright growth habit make it an excellent choice for creating a vertical midground or background accent in a planted tank.

This plant is a true aquatic workhorse, as it is highly adaptable to a wide range of water conditions, including moderate water hardness. Its relatively slow to moderate growth rate is also a benefit, meaning it requires less frequent trimming than faster-growing stem plants.

Care & Aquascaping:

• Lighting: Requires Moderate to High light. While it tolerates lower light, providing Medium to High light is essential to maintain the vibrant purple coloration and encourage bushy growth. Insufficient light will result in green leaves and leggy stems.
• CO₂: Not strictly required for survival, but Highly Recommended for optimal growth and the most intense purple coloration. CO₂ injection will result in a more robust plant with brighter color that extends further down the stem.
• Fertilization: Benefits greatly from a comprehensive liquid fertilizer containing both macro and micro-nutrients, particularly Iron, which helps enhance red/purple pigments. Root tabs can be used but are less critical, as it is a stem plant that feeds primarily from the water column.
• Placement: Due to its height (up to 12 inches/30 cm), it is best used in the Midground or Background, planted in small to large groups to create a dense, colorful bush.
• Trimming & Propagation: Easily propagated by taking a cutting of the top or a side shoot (3-6 inches long) and replanting it directly into the substrate. Regular pruning of the main stem's tip will encourage side shoots, leading to a much thicker and bushier appearance.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Bacopa caroliniana 'Purple' (Often sold as B. colorata or B. salzmannii 'Purple')
• Primary Common Name: Purple Bacopa
• Other Common Names: Purple Moneywort, Lavender Bacopa
• Origin: Cultivar of a North American Native Plant
• Max Height: 8-12+ inches (20-30+ cm)
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Care Level: Easy
• Lighting: Moderate to High (High for best color)
• CO2: Optional (Recommended for best color/growth)
• Water Parameters: pH 6.0-8.0; GH 2-15 (Soft to Moderately Hard)
• Placement: Midground to Background