Bacopa salzmannii
The purple cousin of Bacopa caroliniana, with darker stems and a deep violet-purple flush at the tips under high light. Slower-growing than other bacopas, which makes it easier to keep tidy in the midground.
Purple Bacopa (Bacopa salzmannii) is a stem aquatic plant for the background to midground of a planted tank. It reaches 20–35 cm under good conditions and grows at a medium rate. Light: medium to high. CO₂: recommended. Target 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Substrate: Aquasoil preferred; tolerates inert with root tabs. Propagate via top cuttings.
Care at a glance
The purple cousin of Bacopa caroliniana, with darker stems and a deep violet-purple flush at the tips under high light. Slower-growing than other bacopas, which makes it easier to keep tidy in the midground.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether purple bacopa fits in your tank.
Plantaginaceae
Stem
Background to midground
Aquasoil preferred; tolerates inert with root tabs
Top cuttings
South America
South America
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: recommended. Light requirement: medium to high. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a medium rate.
Purple Bacopa (Bacopa salzmannii) needs medium to high light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background to midground. Substrate: Aquasoil preferred; tolerates inert with root tabs It typically reaches 20–35 cm.
Propagation method: Top cuttings. Purple Bacopa is a stem plant.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to medium.
Difficulty: 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
