© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0Lemon bacopa
Bacopa caroliniana, also known as lemon bacopa, is a hardy stem plant native to North America. Its thick, oval leaves grow in neat crossed pairs along slow-growing stems, making it easy to keep even for those new to aquatic plants. Crush a leaf between your fingers and you'll notice a refreshing lemon-like scent, a signature trait of this variety. Under strong light, the leaves take on copper to reddish-brown tones, adding warm color to an aquascape. As a perennial, it can be kept for years simply by trimming and replanting cuttings, making it a great starting point for anyone trying stem plants for the first time.
View Lemon bacopa encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 plants are commission-free!
Grower Wanted!
List your plants on GrowerDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
6 Transparency Commitments from GrowerDirect
Grower provide complete information for all Aquatic Plants listings. We guarantee transparency in variety, origin, light requirements, and difficulty level.
- Variety Clarity
- Live Photos
- Color Details
- Origin Transparency
- Light Requirements
- Difficulty Level
Browse all 134 varieties
Difficulty Level
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Are you growing aquatic plants?
Register as a grower and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a growerLemon bacopa key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Perennial; maintained by replanting cuttings
- Size
- Stems 20–60 cm tall, 3–6 cm wide
- Temperature
- 20〜25℃
- Watering
- CO2 and fertiliser optional but beneficial
- Lighting
- Survives fairly low light but grows best in bright light, which gives a bronze tint.
- CO2 & Fertilizer
- CO2 is optional; it needs little fertiliser, though feeding helps.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Optimum 20–25°C at pH 5–7.5; reportedly tolerates slightly brackish water.
- Substrate & Attachment
- Looks best planted in small groups in the mid- or background.
- Trimming & Propagation
- Slow and low-maintenance. Propagate from side shoots, tops or runners from the base.
- Cautions
- Frost damages it, so keep it outdoors only in warm weather. Never release plants into the wild.
About Lemon bacopa
Lemon bacopa is a hardy, beginner-friendly stem plant from North America with thick oval leaves and a citrus scent. Strong light brings out copper-red tones, and trimmed cuttings keep it thriving long-term.
7 things to know before growing Lemon bacopa
1Placement and Light Level
Lemon bacopa grows best in a well-lit spot. Stronger light brings out copper to reddish-brown leaf tones, while lower light keeps the leaves green, so choose your placement based on the look you want.
2Flexible on Water Quality
This is a tough plant that isn't picky about water parameters. Just avoid sudden swings in water quality, and it will stay healthy in a stable environment.
3Substrate Basics
No special nutrient-rich substrate is needed, which is part of its beginner-friendly appeal. If you want it to root in firmly, a reasonably deep substrate layer helps it settle in.
4Trimming and Replanting
Growth is slow, so trim the stems once they get too long, to whatever length you like. Cut stems can simply be replanted as new plantings, letting you keep the shape while propagating more.
5Seasonal Growth Changes
This variety already grows slowly, and it slows down further as temperatures drop. Avoiding extreme cold and keeping conditions stable helps it grow steadily throughout the year.
6Choosing a Healthy Plant
Look for thick, firm leaves growing in tightly spaced crossed pairs, a sign of good health. A compact plant is easier to manage going forward than one with stretched, sparse growth.
7The Lemon Scent
Gently crush a leaf and you'll notice a refreshing lemon-like fragrance, a trait unique to this variety. It's a fun way to enjoy the plant beyond just its looks.
Frequently asked questions about Lemon bacopa
- Q.Is this suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's a hardy, slow-growing plant that's easy to manage even if you've never kept aquatic plants before. Basic light and water quality care are enough to keep it thriving.
- Q.How big does it get?
- A.Stems typically reach 20 to 60 cm in height and 3 to 6 cm in width. You can trim it to whatever height suits your setup.
- Q.Why does the leaf color change?
- A.Leaf color shifts depending on light intensity. Strong light brings out copper to reddish-brown tones, while lower light keeps the leaves green.
- Q.Does it really smell like lemon?
- A.Yes, gently crushing a leaf releases a fresh, lemon-like scent. It's one of the distinctive features of this variety.
- Q.How do I propagate it?
- A.Simply cut a stem and replant it as a new cutting. Since it's a perennial, repeating this process lets you maintain and multiply your stock over the long term.
Handy Growing Tools for Lemon bacopa
Learn more about Lemon bacopa in the encyclopedia
View Lemon bacopa encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, size, origin and light needs — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.