Bacopa caroliniana (Carolina Bacopa)

Description

Species Background
Bacopa caroliniana is a North American wetland plant native to slow moving streams, marshes, ditches, and floodplains in the southeastern United States. In the wild it spends part of the year submerged and part of the year emergent, which explains why it adapts so easily to aquarium life. This is not a delicate rainforest import. It is a mud and sun plant that evolved to handle changing water levels, temperature swings, and nutrient variation.

Growth Behavior
This is a classic stem plant that feeds primarily from the water column. It grows steadily rather than explosively. Under stable conditions it forms thick upright stems with evenly spaced leaves. It does not creep or carpet. It grows straight up, branches when trimmed, and keeps doing exactly what you expect. No drama.

Size and Growth Form
Typical submerged height is 8 to 14 inches. Stems are sturdy, not floppy, with rounded to oval leaves arranged opposite each other. When allowed to reach the surface it will continue upward and can eventually break the surface in open tanks. Fish move easily through it and biofilm forms readily on the leaf surfaces.

Aquascaping Tip
Plant in small groups behind hardscape or along the mid to background where its clean vertical lines contrast well with finer textured plants.

Water Parameters (Verified)
Temperature: 68 to 82°F
pH: 6.0 to 7.5
GH: 3 to 15 dGH
KH: 2 to 8 dKH

This wide tolerance reflects its natural habitat and decades of cultivation in aquariums and outdoor ponds. It is not picky, but stability still matters.

Light Requirements
Low to medium light.
Under low light it grows slower with wider spacing between leaves. Under medium to higher light it becomes more compact with tighter internodes. Extremely high light is unnecessary and can encourage algae before the plant be

CO₂ Requirements

With CO₂ it grows faster and denser. Without it, growth is slower but still reliable. This plant does not fall apart in low tech systems.

Nutrient Requirements
Primarily a water column feeder. Consistent liquid fertilization is sufficient. Root tabs are not required but will not hurt if planted in inert substrates.

Tank Placement
Midground to background.
Works well in both large displays and smaller planted tanks where vertical structure is needed without overwhelming the layout.

Why Aquarists Keep It
Because it is predictable, forgiving, and visually calm. It tolerates beginner mistakes, survives shipping well, and transitions cleanly between emersed and submerged growth. It is one of those plants that quietly makes a tank feel established.