Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lemon bacopa
BeginnerBacopa caroliniana
A tough, slow-growing stem plant with thick oval leaves in opposite pairs. Crushed leaves smell of lemon, and under strong light the leaves take on a bronze to reddish-brown tint.
About
Lemon bacopa (Bacopa caroliniana, Plantaginaceae) is a perennial from marshes in the south-eastern and south-central United States and Mexico, growing both submersed and emersed, and a long-standing aquarium plant. Thick oval leaves clasp the stem in opposite pairs, and crushed leaves smell of lemon, the source of its common name. Strong light with little nitrate gives a bronze to brownish tint, while low phosphate gives a pink sheen. Emersed plants have hairy creeping stems and bear blue to purple five-petalled flowers. The related Bacopa monnieri has smaller leaves that widen toward the tip and is a smaller plant. Slow and low-maintenance, it is one of the easiest stem plants for beginners. CO2 and fertiliser are optional but improve growth. It can be grown outdoors at pond edges in the warm season but is frost-tender. Several forms, including a white-variegated one and a smaller-leaved one, are cultivated, though they differ little from the standard plant. It is a staple stem plant at specialist shops and pet shops in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Lemon bacopa
The Lemon bacopa grows to Stems 20–60 cm tall, 3–6 cm wide.
Temperature & humidity for the Lemon bacopa
The ideal temperature for the Lemon bacopa is 20〜25℃.
Basic Info
Origin
North America (south-eastern and south-central USA), Mexico
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained by replanting cuttings
Size
Stems 20–60 cm tall, 3–6 cm wide
Temperature
20〜25℃
Watering & Fertilizer
CO2 and fertiliser optional but beneficial
Growing Tips
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.
Lemon bacopa FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Lemon bacopa?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Lemon bacopa?
The ideal temperature for Lemon bacopa is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Lemon bacopa get?
The mature size of Lemon bacopa is Stems 20–60 cm tall, 3–6 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Lemon bacopa?
Lemon bacopa: watering & fertilizer — CO2 and fertiliser optional but beneficial. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Lemon bacopa?
The price of Lemon bacopa varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. The related B. rotundifolia is listed as a Control Consideration Alien Species in Japan's alien species list, but this species is not. Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act) / Ministry of the Environment: alien species list, plants (2nd ed.)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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