There are some plants that are flashy and delicate, and then there are plants that just work.
Bacopa caroliniana is one of the reliable ones. It stands tall like a rigid pillar in the background, grows at a pace that doesn’t stress you out, and has a hidden secret: when you trim it, it smells distinctly like fresh lemon and mint.
In this post, I’ll share why this classic stem plant has a permanent spot in my tanks, and how I keep it looking fresh without high-tech equipment.
Quick overview
Common name: Lemon Bacopa / Bacopa
Scientific name: Bacopa caroliniana
Type: Stem plant Position: Mid-ground or Background
Growth speed: Slow–Medium (for a stem plant)
Difficulty: Very Easy
Good for: Beginners, wabi-kusa (growing out of water), adding vertical structure
Why keep Bacopa?
It isn’t the fastest grower, but that is exactly why I like it.
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Structural Peace: unlike some stem plants that flop over in the current, Bacopa stems are stiff and upright. They look like little trees.
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The Smell: It sounds strange to smell an aquarium plant, but when you trim the stems during maintenance, the crushed leaves release a wonderful spicy-lemon scent.
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Hardiness: It tolerates a wide range of mistakes. If you forget to fertilize for a week, it won’t melt overnight.
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Emersed Growth: If you have an open-top tank, Bacopa loves to grow out of the water surface and will bloom with tiny blue/purple flowers.
Basic requirements
This plant is famously tough. It grows natively in marshy areas, so it is built to survive.
1. Light
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Low Light: It will grow slowly and stay bright green. The distance between leaves (internodes) might get longer as it reaches for the light.
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Medium–High Light: The top leaves will turn a beautiful bronze or pinkish colour. The plant will grow more compact.
If you are using a standard LED bar from a local marketplace, Bacopa is usually happy. Just make sure it isn’t completely shaded by floating plants.
2. Water parameters
It is very flexible with water chemistry, making it perfect for our tropical climate.
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Temperature: 20–28 °C (It can handle warmer Indonesian/Malaysian room temps, but prefers it slightly cooler if possible).
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pH: 6.0–7.5.
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Hardness: It actually appreciates slightly harder water but grows fine in soft water too.
3. Substrate and Nutrition
Bacopa is a root feeder, but it also takes nutrients from the water column.
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Substrate: It grows best in soil (aquasoil), but it can live in sand or gravel if you add root tabs.
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Fertilizer: A standard liquid micro/macro fertilizer is enough. If the leaves look pale or transparent, it’s usually asking for more Potassium (K) or Iron.
Planting and Propagation
Unlike bushy plants, Bacopa is best planted in groups.
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The "Street" Look: Plant 3–5 stems together, leaving a roughly 1cm gap between each stem. This ensures light reaches the bottom leaves. If you plant them too close, the bottom leaves will rot and fall off.
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Propagation: When the stem gets too tall, simply cut the top half off and replant it. The bottom part you left behind will usually split and grow two new shoots, making the bush thicker.
How to grow it emersed (Out of water)
This is my favourite way to enjoy Bacopa. Because it is a marsh plant, it transitions to life above water very easily.
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Let the stem grow until it hits the surface.
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Don’t trim it. Let it breach the water line.
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As long as the roots are wet and the humidity is decent (which is easy in our region), the leaves will change to a harder, waxy texture.
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Eventually, it will produce small purple flowers.
This adds a lovely "wild" look to shallow tanks or ponds.
Common problems and how to fix them
1. Bottom leaves falling off (Leggy stems)
Possible cause: Not enough light reaching the bottom. Fix: The plant is shading itself. Trim the tops, or replant the tops and discard the bare bottom stems. Make sure you leave space between stems when planting.
2. Algae on older leaves
Possible cause: Because Bacopa grows slowly, old leaves sit there for a long time, becoming a home for algae (GSA or BBA). Fix: Improve water circulation (CO2 distribution if you use it) or lower your light intensity slightly. You can also spot-treat tougher algae, but usually, trimming the old part is easier.
3. Holes in leaves
Possible cause: Potassium deficiency. Fix: Bacopa is often the first plant to show potassium deficiency. Add a liquid fertilizer containing K.
Buying tips
When buying online or at a local fish store:
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Emersed vs Submerged: Most farms in Indonesia grow Bacopa emersed (on land). The leaves will look hairy and thick.
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Transition: When you put it underwater, these old leaves might melt slightly or look different from the new growth. This is normal. Be patient. The new leaves will be smoother and smaller.
Final thoughts
Bacopa caroliniana isn't the plant you buy for instant impact. It’s the plant you buy for stability.
It adds a strong vertical line to your aquascape and acts as a calm background for your shrimp or fish. It doesn't demand daily attention, and in return, it gives you that fresh lemon scent whenever you take the time to care for it.
If you are looking for a stem plant that slows you down rather than speeds you up, Bacopa is a perfect choice.
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