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Description
Bacopa Caroliniana
Bacopa caroliniana (a.k.a. Lemon Bacopa) is a hardy, slow‑growing stem plant that works equally well in aquaria, paludaria, and shallow pond margins. Below is a quick‑reference sheet followed by deeper care notes and pro tips.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southeastern United States |
| Placement | Mid‑ to background groups; can be trimmed into compact bushes |
| Height | 10 – 30 cm (4 – 12 in) in tanks; longer emersed runners |
| Growth rate | Slow for a stem plant (so less pruning!) |
| Light | Moderate → bright; high light brings bronze‑orange or pink hues when N or P is limited |
| CO₂ | Helpful for faster, lusher tips but not required |
| Water | 15‑28 °C (59‑82 °F); pH 6‑8; tolerates hard water but colors up more in softer water |
| Substrate / Fertility | Any inert or nutrient‑rich substrate; column ferts boost density |
| Propagation | Simple stem cuttings – snip a side shoot, plant it, and it will root readily |
| Above‑water perks | Creeps and produces fragrant foliage; crushing a leaf releases a citrus scent (hence “lemon” bacopa) |
Aquascaping & aesthetic tips
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Texture contrast: Thick, round leaves provide a bold counterpoint to fine‑leaf plants like Myriophyllum or Rotala.
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Color play: Let the top 5 – 8 cm hit strong light; slight nitrate limitation (but not deficiency) encourages coppery tips without stunting.
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Background hedge: Plant 5–7 stems in a tight cluster; top‑trim once it reaches the water surface to promote bushy side shoots.
Maintenance cheat‑sheet
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Weekly: 30 – 50 % water change; gentle “waft” to dislodge detritus caught between leaves.
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Every 2–3 weeks: Pinch or cut the tallest tops and re‑plant them to keep the base full—discard the old bottoms if they get bare.
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Monthly: Check macro ferts (especially K and PO₄) if you see pale leaf edges; supplement as needed.
Emersed & pond use
Bacopa caroliniana makes a lovely, slightly succulent ground‑cover along pond edges or in wabi‑kusa setups. Emersed stems grow hairy, creep laterally, and produce small lavender‑purple flowers in summer .
Common issues & fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Lower leaves yellowing and dropping | Light too low at the base | Thin out over‑dense tops; increase flow/light spread |
| New tips pale, stunted | Iron or micronutrient deficit | Dose comprehensive trace fertilizer 2‑3 × week |
| Leaves green but dull, no bronze | Light intensity too low or nitrate too high | Move stems higher, increase PAR, or lower NO₃ to 5‑10 ppm |
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