Water hyssop

Description

Bacopa monnieri, or water hyssop, is native to subtropical and tropical regions worldwide, often found in lakeshores, riversides, and pond edges, as well as slightly saline locations near the seashore. It grows emersed with a creeping habit and submersed with upright stems, depending on water height and season. The emersed form produces light pink flowers in leaf axils. This species has thick, fleshy, light-green oblanceolate leaves that are widest at the tip and rounded at the end. There are various forms of Bacopa monnieri in cultivation, including some with serrated edges or round leaves. Bacopa monnieri requires sufficient light, optimal at 0.5 watts per liter or more. If the light is too low, the lower part of the plant may rot. Fertilizing with CO2 is beneficial but not necessary. This species can be cultivated in brackish water with a low salinity. It's easy to cultivate Bacopa monnieri emersed, and it can even be kept outside during warm months. The plant produces "pseudo runners" on its basis, which can be left intact or cut off for propagation. By replanting lateral shoots, you can also propagate this species.