Species Water Hyssop
white flowers with yellow center, lime sepals, green leaves and black stems

Water Hyssop

Bacopa rotundifolia

Also Known As - Disk Waterhyssop
Water Hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia) is an aquatic plant species native to tropical and sub-tropical regions in Asia and tropical America. It is a beautiful, free-floating plant with its bright green foliage and delicate, white flowers. In addition to being a decorative flowering plant, Water Hyssop is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is best grown in a standard aquarium and requires limited care and attention; regular water changes and pruning of the flowerstalks. The plant is a beautiful addition to any aquarium, bringing a splash of colour and a hint of the exotic.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Water Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia) should be watered about once a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Additionally, during periods of extreme heat, water Hyssop more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out too much. It is best to water in the evening or early morning. It is important to water Hyssop deeply and thoroughly, so consider using a slow trickle of water to give the soil a chance to absorb the water. Finally, water Hyssop with room temperature water to reduce the chance of shock.

sunlight

Water Hyssop needs 6-8 hours of sunlight every day in order to thrive and perform best in its growth. It does best when receiving direct sunlight for at least part of the day during the growing season. Although Water Hyssop can tolerate partial shade and will still survive in indirect light, it will usually not flower and will have significantly fewer leaves and stems. For best results, plant Water Hyssop in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

pruning

Water Hyssop (Bacopa rotundifolia) should be lightly pruned twice a year. As a general rule, it should be pruned in the spring when the plant is starting to actively grow and in the late summer or early fall when it has finished its active growth cycle. Pruning should consist of pinching back any dead or damaged stems and removing any stems down to the base that have become overgrown and are competing with other healthier stems. Pruning this plant should be limited, as it is a slow-growing species and benefits from light shaping, allowing it to develop its characteristic full, rounded shape.