Bacopa australis Australian Bacopa

Despite its common name, Bacopa australis originates from South America — specifically Brazil and Uruguay — rather than Australia. It is a compact, fine-stemmed plant with small, glossy, rounded leaves that are bright green under lower light and take on a bronze to golden-green tint under higher intensity. It grows more slowly than Bacopa caroliniana, making it easier to manage and ideal for smaller tanks and midground use. It tolerates a wide range of water parameters and performs well in both low-tech and high-tech setups.

Light: Low to high (15–70 PAR); bronze tint develops under medium to high light. CO2: Not required; optional CO2 at 10–20 mg/L improves growth rate and compactness. Fertiliser: Weekly balanced liquid fertiliser; tolerates a wide range of nutrient levels. Planting: Midground groups of 5–7 stems spaced 2 cm apart; trim every 3–4 weeks. Growth: Moderate; 10–25 cm; slower growth than other Bacopas makes it ideal for small tanks.