Hydroponic Bacopa: Water Hyssop in Trays and Aquariums
Hydroponic bacopa grows with its stems in shallow water or fully under water. Two species go by the name. Water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) and lemon bacopa (Bacopa caroliniana) both suit trays and aquariums.
The short answer
Root 3 to 5 inch tip cuttings in saturated potting soil and set the pot in a tray holding several inches of water. UF/IFAS says they root well within a month. Lemon bacopa can grow fully submerged or in an aquarium. Give bright light indoors.
What is bacopa (water hyssop)?
NC State describes water hyssop as a native creeping plant with succulent leaves and white flowers. It handles heat but not drought, while lemon bacopa has blue flowers and lemon scented leaves. UF/IFAS adds that water hyssop leaves are broader at the tip and unscented.
Check the leaves to tell the two species apart.
How do you grow bacopa in a tray or aquarium?
NC State lists moist to wet soil or shallow water in full sun to part shade for water hyssop. Lemon bacopa wants part shade outdoors and bright light indoors and can grow fully submerged or in an aquarium. UF/IFAS lists water under 3 feet deep.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Water tray | Holds several inches of water around a pot | Lemon bacopa: Bacopa caroliniana (AG392), UF/IFAS Extension |
| Aquarium | Grows lemon bacopa fully submerged | Bacopa caroliniana (lemon bacopa), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox |
| Grow light | Adds light indoors in winter | Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension |
How do you trim and multiply bacopa?
UF/IFAS suggests 3 to 5 inch tip cuttings with the lower 2 inches of leaves removed. Set 3 to 5 cuttings in a 4 inch pot or 10 in a 1 gallon pot. NC State lists division and stem cuttings for water hyssop.
NC State notes that lemon bacopa stem cuttings root easily. Division splits a crowded clump of water hyssop.
How to: step by step
- Cut 3 to 5 inch stem tips.
- Strip the leaves from the lower 2 inches.
- Set 3 to 5 cuttings in a 4 inch pot of saturated potting soil.
- Stand the pot in a tray holding several inches of water.
- Give bright light indoors or part shade outdoors.
- Move rooted plants to a tray or aquarium after a month.
Troubleshooting
Wilting stems: dry media, and water hyssop wilts in drought, so refill the tray.
Rampant growth under water: UF/IFAS notes it can turn weedy when submersed, so trim stems back.
Weak growth indoors: low light, so add a grow light.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on root media see hydroponic in different mediums. Read caring for your hydroponic system for system care. See aquarium water for cannabis and pond water for cannabis for related water notes.
Sources
- Bacopa monnieri (water hyssop), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Bacopa caroliniana (lemon bacopa), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lemon bacopa: Bacopa caroliniana (AG392), UF/IFAS Extension
- Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Is lemon bacopa the same as water hyssop?
No. UF/IFAS notes that water hyssop has white flowers and unscented leaves broader at the tip. Lemon bacopa has blue flowers and lemon scented leaves.
Can bacopa grow fully submerged?
NC State says lemon bacopa can be grown fully submerged or in an aquarium. UF/IFAS notes submersed stems are usually up to 3 feet long.
How fast does bacopa grow?
NC State says water hyssop spreads rapidly. UF/IFAS says tip cuttings are well rooted within a month.
Can bacopa grow outdoors?
Yes, in mild areas. NC State lists both species as hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. UF/IFAS lists lemon bacopa as hardy in Zones 6 to 9.
How do you start new bacopa plants?
UF/IFAS suggests 3 to 5 inch tip cuttings in saturated potting soil set in a tray of water. NC State also lists division.
