Lemon bacopa (Bacopa caroliniana) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Water hyssop, Giant bacopa, Bacopa amplexicaulis
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
South-eastern USA
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH (estimate)
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Lemon bacopa is a stem plant from the south-eastern United States that has been kept in aquariums for many years. Its thick, rounded leaves smell of lemon when crushed. Tropica gives stems of 10–30 cm long and 3–4 cm wide, branching readily from the base. It looks best planted in small groups in the midground or background. Tropica rates it easy, slow-growing and low-maintenance for a stem plant, with low light and low CO2 needs, which makes it a good beginner's plant. Stronger light gives coppery shoot tips. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Take a side shoot as a cutting and plant it in the substrate; easy (Tropica).

Compatibility and tank mates

Fairly firm leaves, though goldfish, large cichlids and herbivores may still eat it. Fine with shrimp, snails and community fish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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