Brahmi, Dwarf bacopa, Baby tears, Herb of grace, Thyme-leafed gratiola, Bacopa monnieri 'Compact'
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
Wetlands worldwide in the tropics and subtropics
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
18–30°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
2–18 dGH (estimate)
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed
Care
Water hyssop or brahmi is a creeping perennial herb of marshes and wet ground found in wetlands worldwide, from India and Sri Lanka to Africa, Australia and the Americas. It has small, thick, succulent leaves in opposite pairs and small white flowers, and tolerates slightly brackish water. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine, though Wikipedia notes there is no good evidence that it improves memory. In aquariums it is a classic, undemanding stem plant for the midground. Tropica sells 'Compact', a cultivar that stays shorter (3–10 cm or more after two months) and almost creeps in good light, making a bushy foreground or midground plant or even a carpet; pinching out upright shoots keeps it low. Without CO2 and in lower light it grows more upright. Tropica rates 'Compact' easy, with low light and low CO2 needs, and it grows well in the shade of other plants. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacopamonnieri); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Stem cuttings root readily; the cut stem branches into several new shoots.
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.
About Aquatic-Auctions
Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.