Kaiser Aquatics - Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, also known as Water Hyssop or Moneywort, is a classic and easy-to-grow aquarium plant that has been popular in aquascaping for over a century. Its bright green foliage, upright growth, and adaptability make it ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Whether submerged or emersed, it offers versatility and subtle elegance in the midground to background of planted aquariums.

Scientific Name: Bacopa monnieri
Family: Plantaginaceae
Origin: Widespread across tropical and subtropical regions (Asia, Africa, Americas)
Height: 10 – 30 cm

Light Requirements: Medium to High
CO₂ Requirements: Low (optional, but beneficial)
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Difficulty Level: Easy

More Information:
This species thrives in a variety of environments — lakes, ponds, rivers, and even mildly brackish waters. In aquariums, Bacopa monnieri grows slowly but steadily with thick, fleshy stems and obovate light green leaves that measure 1–2.5 cm in length. It has a minimal branching habit unless pruned, making it an excellent candidate for neat, upright plant groupings.

While Bacopa monnieri is undemanding, it performs best with good lighting. It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters, including harder and slightly alkaline water (up to pH 8). CO₂ is not essential, but its presence, along with proper nutrient dosing, improves growth and appearance—especially in high-energy tanks.

Propagation is simple: trim and replant stem cuttings, or let the plant naturally send out creeping basal runners. Its small leaf size and fresh green colour offer contrast and structure in both Dutch-style layouts and nature aquascapes.

Above water, Bacopa monnieri takes on a creeping or trailing habit and can produce delicate white to light lavender flowers, making it suitable for paludariums and Wabi-Kusa setups as well.