Plant Profile Bacopa Amplexicaulis, known in the aquarium hobby as Lemon Bacopa or Carolina Bacopa, is a hardy aquatic stem plant native to the ponds, marshes, and riverbanks of the Southeastern United States. Named for the pleasant citrus aroma released when its leaves or stems are crushed or pruned, this perennial species features thick, fleshy oval leaves set in opposing pairs along vertical stems. Under moderate lighting, it displays a bright lime-green coloration, but when grown under high light or low phosphate levels, its foliage blushes with attractive bronze, copper, and soft pink highlights. Perfect for beginners, Lemon Bacopa thrives submerged in aquariums or emersed in paludariums, where it produces tiny, vibrant purple and blue flowers above the water surface. *Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants. Key Features & Benefits Thick, oval foliage emits a lemon scent when trimmed or crushed. Beginner-friendly, thrives in low-tech setups without requiring CO2 injection. Foliage blushes bronze, copper, and pink under high-intensity lighting or low phosphate. Care & Planting Instructions Remove lead weight (or pot) and remove cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the roots, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Bacopa stems and leaves can be crisp, so handle with care during preparation. Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower growth. Provide moderate-to-high lighting and clean water conditions; regular fertilization with liquid products like UNS Plant Food encourages thick stems and vibrant color transitions. See our guide to growing colorful aquarium plants. Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting. Trim main stem tops with straight scissors once stems reach the desired height, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to easily propagate and expand coverage. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details. Quick Facts Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth! Attribute Specification Scientific Name Bacopa amplexicaulis / Bacopa caroliniana Common Name(s) Lemon Bacopa, Bacopa Amplexicaulis, Carolina Bacopa Family Plantaginaceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Stem Plant Care Difficulty Easy / Beginner Light Requirement Moderate to High CO2 Requirement Optional / Recommended (Accelerates growth and stem density) Placement / Usage Midground / Background Column Height / Size 4–12”+ Growth Rate Slow to Moderate Water Parameters pH 6.0–7.5 Propagation Method Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) Origin Southeastern United States Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are the lower leaves turning yellow or falling off my stem plants? Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower foliage healthy. 2. Can I grow Lemon Bacopa without CO2 injection? Yes, Bacopa Amplexicaulis is an exceptionally resilient stem plant that grows well in low-tech aquariums without pressurized CO2. Providing moderate lighting and a quality substrate or liquid fertilizer like UNS Plant Food is enough to sustain healthy growth and strong vertical stems. 3. How do I transition Lemon Bacopa from emersed to submerged growth? When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into substrate under adequate lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its stiffer land foliage and sprout soft, brightly colored underwater leaves. Once new shoots take root, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
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