Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Type: Stem
Size: Up to 30cm in height
Position and Usage: Midground to background
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Lighting: 3/5 - 5/5
Water Conditions: 22 - 28°C, pH of 6.5 to 7.5
CO2: Recommended but not required
Propagation: Cuttings
Special Requirements: May benefit from nitrate supplementation (5 mg/L); and phosphate supplementation (0.25 - 0.5 mg/L)
Notes and curiousities: Used as a medicinal plant in the Ayurvedic medical tradition for cognitive enhancement
Common Names: Money Wort, Indian Pennywort
Description
Bacopa monnieri is an undemanding, relatively fast-growing plant native to Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is an especially popular aquatic variety and is known by several names including although not limited to ‘moneywort’, ‘water hyssop’, and ‘Brahmi’. It has both medicinal and ornamental properties.
Emersed plants will creep along the substrate while submersed plants will grow in vertical bunches. Stems are fleshy and sport green, oval leaves. With regular maintenance, you may cultivate B. monnieri into a shrub-like shape. Lateral shoots and pseudo-runners at the base of the plant can be trimmed and resultant cuttings used to propagate.
This plant will thrive when grown in relatively clean, clear, nutrient-rich water. CO2 supplementation, regular iron and micronutrient supplementation and bright lighting will promote robust growth. In insufficient lighting, lower portions of the plant may rot.