Bacopa Salzmannii Purple

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Purple Bacopa; Salzmann's water hyssop; Purple water hyssop; Bacopa sp. Araguaia

Synonyms

Bacopa sp. "Araguaia"

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Mexico, Central America, South America, Southeastern United States

Habitat

Swamps, seasonally dry wetlands, and slow-moving riverbanks and pond margins in tropical regions

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Moderate

Growth form

Stem

Max height

4 – 14 in (10 – 36 cm)

Spread

3 in (7.6 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

2 – 12 dGH

PAR

100 – 200 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

High

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

High

Colors

Green, Purple, Pink

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Rounded, succulent-like leaves take on purple and magenta hues along thick, upright stems that branch sparingly compared to other bacopas. Growth is slower than typical stem plants, easing maintenance in a midground or background grouping. High light, CO2, and iron dosing are needed to hold the color rather than fade to green.

Care

This stem plant grows upright with sturdy, thick stems and rounded to lance-shaped leaves that branch relatively little compared to other bacopas. It is not a demanding species, but strong lighting, CO2 injection, and steady macro and micronutrient dosing are needed to develop deep purple coloration rather than plain green foliage. Growth is slower than most stem plants, which makes it easier to maintain a tidy midground or background grouping without frequent trimming. It tends to prefer softer water than its relative Bacopa caroliniana, though it will tolerate moderately hard conditions.

Planting & trimming

Plant stems individually into the substrate with a few nodes buried, spacing them roughly 2-3 inches apart to allow bushy fill-in over time. Trim tops regularly once stems approach the surface and replant the cuttings to maintain density and prevent bare lower stems.

Fertilizing

Feed through both the water column and substrate for best results, as the plant draws nutrients from either source. A nutrient-rich substrate supports stronger roots, while liquid fertilizer supplies the bulk of its macro and micronutrient needs. Iron and other trace elements are particularly important for developing the deep purple and reddish tones the variety is grown for, and pale or greenish new growth usually signals insufficient light or iron.

Propagation

Propagate by cutting healthy stem tops and replanting them directly into the substrate, where they root readily. The parent stem typically produces new side shoots below the cut, allowing repeated harvesting of cuttings from the same plant over time.

Problems

Lower stems can become bare and leggy over time, especially in lower light, so periodic topping and replanting keeps a fuller appearance. Insufficient light or CO2 causes the foliage to revert toward green rather than the desired purple, and thin, elongated growth is a common sign of inadequate light intensity. It is otherwise a hardy plant with few disease issues when water quality is stable.

Sources

1. Purple Bacopa (Bacopa salzmannii) Care & Tank Mates, Fin & Stem
2. Bacopa salzmannii "Purple" | Aquasabi - Aquascaping Shop
3. Purple bacopa care: light, CO2 and placement · TankBud
4. How to grow Bacopa caroliniana/Colorata & B. Salzmannii - The 2Hr Aquarist

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