Bacopa madagascariensis

This Bacopa species occurs in streams, ponds, lakeshores and other wet habitats on Madagascar, above and below water. It is rather rarely available as aquarium plant. In its terrestrial form, it has fleshy, 1-3 cm long, notched leaves; the stems are decumbent or ascending, and single violet flowers appear in its leaf axils. The stems of the submerged plant grow strictly upright, with narrowly ovate leaves without notches. Bacopa madagascariensis should be well lit, otherwise it does not have very high demands. As well as in other plants, complete macro- and micronutrient supply and CO₂ addition are very beneficial. Its growth is moderate. Soft water is optimal, medium carbonate hardness is tolerated. This species prefers warmer water; the optimum temperatures lie between 24 and 28℃. This stem plant looks best with a height of only 5-15 cm. Long stems tend to shedding of lower leaves. As well as other stem plants, Bacopa madagascariensis is easily propagated by cuttings. This not too well known Bacopa from Madagascar looks decorative as a low group in the foreground to midground of aquariums, also nano tanks. With its upright, symmetric habit, it fits well into Dutch style planted aquariums. Bacopa madagascariensis is also interesting as an emersed plant for well-lit paludariums where one may expect its nice violet flowers.

Relatively rare Bacopa species Upright growth Suitable for the foreground and midground Also recommendable for paludariums

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