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Bacopa salzmannii ‘Purple’ is a striking stem plant prized for its colourful foliage and compact, upright growth. Under stronger aquarium lighting, the leaves can develop attractive purple, pink and reddish tones, making it an excellent choice for adding colour and contrast to a planted aquarium.

This slow to moderate-growing stem plant works particularly well in the midground or background. Planting several stems together creates a fuller bush-like appearance, while regular trimming encourages branching and produces a denser display.

Good lighting and a nutrient-rich water column are important for bringing out the best colouration. CO₂ supplementation is recommended, particularly in high-light aquariums, but the plant can be grown without CO₂ at a slower growth rate.

Bacopa salzmannii ‘Purple’ is best suited to aquascapes where its colourful foliage can be showcased against green plants and darker hardscape.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Bacopa salzmannii
• Common Name: Bacopa salzmannii ‘Purple’
• Type: Stem Plant
• Family: Plantaginaceae
• Adult Size: Approximately 15–30 cm
• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
• Care Level: Moderate
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• CO₂: Recommended
• Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 5.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Position: Midground / Background
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate beneficial
• Water Column Fertiliser: Recommended
• Freshwater: Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Bacopa salzmannii ‘Purple’ to turn purple?

Strong lighting, good nutrient availability and stable CO₂ levels can help encourage stronger purple and reddish colouration.

Does Bacopa salzmannii ‘Purple’ need CO₂?

It can grow without CO₂, but injected CO₂ is recommended for stronger growth, better colour and a healthier appearance.

How fast does it grow?

It generally has a slow to moderate growth rate compared with faster-growing stem plants.

How do I propagate Bacopa salzmannii?

Simply cut healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate. New roots will develop from the lower stem.

Can it be grown in a low-tech aquarium?

Yes, although growth will generally be slower and the plant may display less intense purple colouration.

Where should I plant it?

Plant it in groups in the midground or background, depending on the size of the aquarium. Regular trimming can help create a dense group.

Common Mistakes

• Using insufficient lighting and expecting strong purple colouration.
• Allowing nutrient deficiencies to develop.
• Planting stems too densely and restricting light to lower leaves.
• Failing to trim and replant cuttings to maintain a dense group.
• Expecting high-light growth without adequate CO₂.
• Making large changes to lighting, CO₂ or fertilisation too quickly.