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Bacopa Australis
Bacopa australis
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Plantaginaceae
📍 Southern Brazil
A compact, small-leaved Bacopa from southern Brazil, producing round to oval light-green leaves on reddish stems. Grows slower and stays shorter than B. caroliniana, making it better suited to midground placement or smaller tanks. Under high light, the stems take on a reddish-orange tint that adds warmth to the scape. One of the most beginner-friendly stem plants available — it rarely melts and grows reliably even without CO₂.
Tank Mates
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without harming plants; thrive in similar water parameters
Small, peaceful schooling fish that add color and movement without uprooting or damaging plants
Complementary foreground plant that creates layered scaping with Bacopa australis in midground
Hardy companion plant with similar care requirements; both thrive without CO₂ supplementation
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects plants and prefers similar warm water temperatures
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or necrosis
Dose all-in-one liquid fertilizer (e.g., Thrive, EasyLife) 1–2 times weekly; consider enriched substrate or root tabs if deficiency persists
Algae Overgrowth (Black Beard Algae)
Dark, hair-like algae coating stems and leaves, reducing photosynthesis
Reduce light duration to 8–10 hours daily, increase water changes, add algae-eating fish (Otocinclus, Siamese Algae Eater), or spot-treat with hydrogen peroxide (2–3 ml per 10 gallons)
Melting (Leaf Decay)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, and disintegrate; typically occurs after transport or drastic parameter changes
Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0–7.5, temp 18–28°C); ensure adequate light and nutrient availability; trim affected stems and allow new growth to emerge
Slow Growth or Stagnation
Minimal new leaf development, pale coloration, weak stems despite stable conditions
Increase light intensity to 8–10 hours daily, boost fertilizer dosing, ensure water circulation, and verify temperature is within optimal range (22–26°C ideal)
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Not required
- light
- Low to high
- max size
- 10–25 cm (4–10 in) tall
- placement
- Midground
- substrate
- Any (enriched preferred)
- growth rate
- Medium
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- notes
- Smaller and slower than B. caroliniana. Stems redden under strong light. Very beginner-friendly.
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 147–180°F (64–82°C)