Common Name
Southern Bacopa
Description
Relatively new to the aquarium hobby, this stem plant from the southern part of South America turned out as one of the most useful aquarium plants.
This undemanding Bacopa grows rather horizontal and densely branched under good lighting. It forms a dense, light green bush within a short period.
Bacopa australis may be relatively new in the hobby, however, it is already very clear that it will always be a number one choice for almost any kind of planted freshwater tank, especially due to its simplicity. At first glance, this South-American plant may look like a larger version of Micranthemum umbrosum, however, it is far easier in culture. Even though this Bacopa species occurs in vast populations on rivers and lakeshores in South Brazil and Argentine, it was not described scientifically before the year 2001. Not much is known about its natural habitats, although, among others, major populations have been discovered in the enchantingly beautiful, crystal-clear calcareous rivers around Bonito, Brazil (Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul). This bushy-growing stem plant sports a tremendously intensive light shade of green. Under strong light, the younger leaves may show a shade of reddish colour. With its soft, thin underwater leaves and its loose habit, Bacopa australis differs very much from Bacopa caroliniana and B. monnieri, whose leaves are significantly thicker and whose overall apperance is far more rigid. When kept in good light intensities, B. australis may even develop a creeping habit, like with Hemianthus micranthemoides. However, it also grows well under medium light intensities-with a more upright habit. Adding macro- and micronutrients is not required, however, a well-dosed fertilisation results in better growth and more intensive colours. The same applies to CO2 fertilisation-the plant grows without it, but add CO2 to your tank, and your Bacopa australis will do even better. A substrate rich in nutrients does not seem to have a significant effect on this plant. Its origins lie in the subtropics, where winters can get quite chilly, so it is also suitable for cooler tanks with water temperatures of under 20℃. However, warm water of up to 32℃ is also tolerated. Like any other bushy aquatic plant, B. australis may be trimmed with a pair of scissors. Please make sure the bush does not develop too dense a growth, or else the lower parts of the stems may die off as they do not get enough light.
Source
Flowgrow
Characteristic
Light green
Forms dense bushes
Relatively small leaves
Very easy
Complete Botanical Name
Bacópa austrális V. C. Souza
Family
Plantaginaceae
Genus
Bacopa
Category
Middle Ground
Difficulty
very easy
Growth
fast
Carbon Dioxide
need
pH Value
5-8
Temperature Tolerance
4-35℃
Carbonate Hardness
0-21 dKH
General Hardness
0-30 °dGH
Propagation
Cuttings
Can Grow Emersed?
yes
Aquascaping
well-branched, bushy
Height
10-40 cm
Width
2-4 cm
Colour
light green
