Creeping Bacopa
bacopa repens
Also known as: ["Water Hyssop","Creeping Waterhyssop"]
Overview
A low-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with small, succulent-like leaves and delicate white flowers, often used in aquariums and water gardens.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Bacopa |
| Botanical Name: | Bacopa repens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: aquarium or paludarium setup
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only 1/3 of growth at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates lower light but may grow leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to bright indirect light
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 3–5 days, keeping soil consistently moist
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots dry out completely.
Soil
moisture-retentive, peat-based substrate
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; refresh mix annually.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); cooler temperatures in winter promote dormancy.
Avoid drafts; maintain stable temperatures; adjust care for seasonal shifts.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or moist substrate.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and consistent warmth (70–75°F).
Medium
Sphagnum moss, perlite, or water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), container, water/moist medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stems; maintain humidity; change water regularly if using aquatic method.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or trim selectively to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/damaged growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too large to avoid waterlogging.
Method
Use fresh potting mix; trim rootbound roots; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even saturation without pooling.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for aeration; incorporate organic matter for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold), wilting or stunted growth (heat), bud drop (extremes).
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot, insulate pots, and reduce watering during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may become stunted.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and water more frequently during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; cease in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBacopa repens is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects in felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicBacopa repens is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects in canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicBacopa repens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact with this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bacopa repens suitable for aquariums?
A: Yes, Bacopa repens is commonly used in aquariums and can thrive fully or partially submerged.
Q: Does Bacopa repens require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade and can tolerate lower light conditions.
Q: Is Bacopa repens toxic to pets?
A: No, Bacopa repens is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to bright indire |
| Water: | every 3–5 days, keeping soil |
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