Bacopa caroliniana (Walter) B.L.Rob.

Growth Habit

Bacopa caroliniana (Walter) B.L.Rob. is a perennial creeping herb.

Leaf Morphology

Its leaves are succulent, relatively thick, oblanceolate, and arranged oppositely on the stem. Crushed leaves give off a lemon scent.

Flower Appearance

The five-petaled flowers are blue.

Mature Size

This plant reaches a height of 50–100 cm (20–39 in).

Emersed Growth Traits

If given the opportunity, it will grow above the water, developing similar but waxy leaves.

Submerged Flowering

It can occasionally flower even when fully underwater, though these underwater flowers quickly rot.

Pollination Requirements

Emersed (above-water) flowers do not produce seeds on their own and require cross pollination.

Native Habitat

Bacopa caroliniana commonly grows in marshy areas of the southern United States.

Aquarium Cultivation Suitability

Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant, and it can tolerate slightly brackish conditions.

Propagation Method

It propagates easily through cuttings and grows readily in aquariums.

Light-Dependent Leaf Coloration

Leaf color changes based on light availability: leaves turn bronze or almost entirely red under high light levels.

Wild Growth Conditions

In the wild, it grows in bogs or in semi-submersed conditions, and adapts well to full flooding and submersion.

Non-Aquarium Cultivation Uses

It can be grown in or alongside ponds in warmer regions, or in shallow dishes or as a house plant when kept sufficiently damp, growing year-round in suitable conditions.

Frost Tolerance

It is frost tender, but usually regrows from the roots if frost damages its above-ground growth.

Outdoor Cultivation Light Preference

It prefers light shade when grown outside of aquariums.

Aquarium Light Requirements

In aquariums, it needs good lighting for strong growth, but can survive in even fairly low light.

Preferred Growth Environment

It favors a clean, nutrient-rich environment.