Plant Profile Bacopa Monnieri, or Moneywort, is a classic, hardy aquatic stem plant favored for its upright stalks paired with light green, rounded leaves. A staple in the planted tank hobby and historically valued in the Ayurvedic tradition of India, Moneywort brings a cheerful, structured accent to the midground and background of any layout. When grown emersed or above the waterline, it even sprouts small, delicate pink and white flowers. Key Features & Benefits Hardy, classic stem plant with thick, fleshy foliage that adapts easily to low-tech setups without requiring CO2. Upright growth habit creates clean vertical lines and cheerful light green contrast in midground or background placements. Do you like variegated plants? Check out Bacopa Monnieri Variegatus. Care & Planting Instructions Remove lead weight and remove cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip the lower inch of foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Bacopa leaves can be fragile, so handle stems with care during planting. Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them apart so light reaches lower foliage and prevents stem rot. Provide moderate-to-high lighting for steady growth, as lower leaves will rot if shaded out or kept under insufficient light. Maintain stable water parameters and supply quality aquarium soil or liquid fertilizers to support healthy root formation. Trim stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the water surface to encourage new lateral side branches. 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 monnieri Common Name(s) Moneywort, Water Hyssop, Bacopa Monnieri Family Plantaginaceae Plant Type / Taxonomy Stem Plant Care Difficulty Easy / Beginner Light Requirement Moderate to High CO2 Requirement Not Necessary (Recommended for faster growth) Placement / Usage Background / Midground 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 Widespread / Pantropical Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why are the lower leaves 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 leaves healthy. 2. Why is my Moneywort rotting near the base? Moneywort requires sufficient light penetration reaching down to the substrate level. If planted too densely or under weak lighting, the lower stem bases will soften and rot. Spacing stems about half an inch apart and providing moderate-to-high light solves this issue. 3. My stem plants arrived with round green leaves, but the new growth looks totally different. Is this normal? Yes! Many aquatic stem plants are cultivated emersed (above water) at plant nurseries, producing rounder, thicker green leaves. Once submerged in your aquarium, the plant will transition into its true aquatic form, sprouting delicate, submerged foliage.
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