Bacopa salzmannii "Purple"

About this plant

Bacopa salzmannii "Purple" is a spectacular cultivated colour form of Bacopa salzmannii. Unlike the more green to reddish aquarium form that was historically circulated as Bacopa sp. "Araguaia", this form develops conspicuous dark red-purple to violet submerged leaves. The central vein and lateral veins are usually darker than the surrounding leaf tissue, creating a strongly contrasting pattern. Submerged shoots grow mostly upright and branch only moderately. Individual shoots can reach at least 30 cm in height and around 4 cm in width. The submerged leaves are ovate, up to approximately 2.2 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, and contrast strongly with the comparatively pale green, thick stem. The species is naturally distributed through seasonally wet tropical habitats from Mexico to Argentina, where it often behaves as an annual marsh plant. In aquariums, the Purple form grows at a moderate rate and is not especially demanding, although stronger light and a stable supply of carbon dioxide and micronutrients intensify its purple coloration. Regular trimming and replanting of top cuttings encourages denser growth. It is particularly effective as a coloured accent plant in the midground or background and can also be used in Dutch-style layouts.