Contents
Description
Bacopa Rotundifolia is a low-growing aquatic plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to South America, where it is commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant waters, such as ponds, streams, and marshes. This plant is also known by other common names such as Round-leaved Waterhyssop, Water Hyssop, and Brahmi. It is widely used in aquariums and water gardens due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Bacopa |
Appearance
Bacopa Rotundifolia has small, round, green leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the stem. The leaves are succulent and slightly curved, with a glossy, smooth surface. The plant can grow up to 2-3 inches tall and can spread up to 6 inches wide. It produces small, white, five-petaled flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant is a good choice for aquariums and water gardens due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance.
Care Guide
Water: Bacopa Rotundifolia prefers clean, clear water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It needs good water circulation to thrive, so ensure that the water is properly aerated. Change the water regularly to keep it clean and avoid the buildup of harmful nutrients.Fertilization: Bacopa Rotundifolia is a light feeder and does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can add a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water once a month to provide the plant with essential nutrients.Soil: Bacopa Rotundifolia is an aquatic plant that does not require soil. It can be planted directly into gravel or sand in the aquarium or water garden.Sunlight: Bacopa Rotundifolia requires moderate to high levels of light to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the leaves to turn yellow.Hardiness Zones: Bacopa Rotundifolia is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bacopa Rotundifolia is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, if the water quality is poor, it can be susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. Common pests that can affect Bacopa Rotundifolia include snails, aphids, and spider mites. These can be controlled using insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Habitat
Bacopa Rotundifolia is native to South America, where it grows in slow-moving or stagnant waters, such as ponds, streams, and marshes. It can also be found in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is commonly used in aquariums and water gardens due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I change the water in my Bacopa Rotundifolia aquarium?
A: You should change the water in your Bacopa Rotundifolia aquarium once a week to keep it clean and avoid the buildup of harmful nutrients.
Q: Can Bacopa Rotundifolia grow in low light?
A: Bacopa Rotundifolia requires moderate to high levels of light to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Bacopa Rotundifolia?
A: Bacopa Rotundifolia is a light feeder and does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can add a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water once a month to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Q: How do I control pests in my Bacopa Rotundifolia aquarium?
A: Common pests that can affect Bacopa Rotundifolia include snails, aphids, and spider mites. These can be controlled using insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Related Plants
- Bacopa Caroliniana
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Bacopa Australis
- Bacopa Madagascariensis
- Bacopa Lanigera
References
- https://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/planted-tank-plants/bacopa-rotundifolia/
- https://www.aquasabi.com/aquatic-plants/stem-plants/bacopa-rotundifolia
- https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/bacopa-rotundifolia-the-ultimate-guide
