Baby Tears
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Bacopa monnieri. Florida Aquatic Nursery
[edit] Overview
Dwarf Bacopa is a vigorous plant with short, thick, oval leaves growing on a stiff stem.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Other common name(s):
- Dwarf Bacopa
Native range:
Habitat: Common in fresh and slightly brackish tropical and sub-tropical waters.
Maximum height: 40 cm (16 in)
Lighting: High.
Placement: Variable.
Water: Freshwater 18 °C (291 K, 64 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Overview
Baby Tears is a very versatile species. It accepts a wide variety of aquarium conditions and is happy to put down roots when planted in small bunches that will fill an area quickly.
[edit] Feeding
Co2 not required. Fertilize regularly.
[edit] Special Care
No special care required aside from adequate lighting and good water quality. Use fine substrate so that the plant can anchor well.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Cuttings planted in the substrate.
[edit] Notes
Best in bunches, Dwarf Bacopa is a bright green, low-growing perennial herb that is a valuable foreground plant. It grows best in high light, so it is often used to carpet the "open swimming area," where the only things blocking light from above would be the livestock. Plant in small bunches. Keep this plant trimmed and tidy. If it starts to "reach" for the light, with the stems becoming longer with more space between the leaves, try to increase the lighting intensity. If the plant becomes leggy, snip the tops and plant in the substrate. When the water conditions are good, the plant will develop nodal roots. When Baby Tears grows above the water, it produces small white flowers.
| Common name | Baby Tears +, and Dwarf Bacopa + |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae + |
| Genus | Bacopa + |
| Image credit | FAN + |
| Lighting | High. + |
| Maximum height | 16 in + |
| Native range | North America +, Africa +, Asia +, and Australia + |
| Placement | Variable. + |
| Reference | 101 Best Aquarium Plants + |
| Specific name | monnieri + |
| Text credit | MES + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 291 K (18 °C, 64 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |