Bacopa caroliniana – An easy, hardy and very decorative plant
Bacopa caroliniana in a mini pot is a superb stem plant, native to North America, ideal for creating dense clumps in the background or middle ground . It seduces with its fleshy, oval, pretty light green leaves and its ability to form harmonious bushes in all types of aquariums. Sold in a coconut fiber pot, it is ready to plant, without preparation : just bury it where you want. With its slow growth and great adaptability, it is a perfect plant for beginners. It requires little care, moderate to strong lighting , a little patience... and it will thank you with its soothing presence and elegant foliage.
Fleshy, light green foliage, ideal for creating contrast
Mini fiber pot: no rock wool, ready to plant
Perfect for beginners, low maintenance, slow growing
Bacopa caroliniana: a single-stemmed, beautiful, and durable plant
Bacopa caroliniana is an iconic plant of American swamplands, often found in southern states like Florida and Texas. It grows naturally in marshes, calm rivers, or ditches, both above and below water. In aquariums, it develops long, thick stems measuring 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 inches) with opposite, oval, fleshy leaves that are sometimes slightly wavy. When well lit, its tips take on attractive bronze or pinkish hues.
Bacopa is also recognizable by its lemony scent when you crush its leaves—a small detail that adds to its charm. It's perfect for creating a structured bushy effect in the background, especially when planted in groups. Its growth is slow but steady, making it easy to maintain, and it doesn't require frequent pruning. It also propagates very easily.
Robust aquarium plant for all types of tanks
Bacopa caroliniana is a plant that requires little to be happy: adequate light (8 to 10 hours/day), soft to medium-hard water (GH 1 to 15), a pH around 6 to 8, and a temperature between 13 and 28°C. It even tolerates brackish water. In other words, it adapts to almost all classic aquarium conditions. A Co2 system is not mandatory, but can improve its growth and colors. The same goes for nutrients , especially if you use a neutral soil like aquarium sand .
This is an excellent plant for both nano and large aquariums . It can even be used in a paludarium or semi-open tank: its emerged form then develops pretty blue bell-shaped flowers. In any case, it will bring a beautiful touch of soothing greenery and a pleasant structure to your arrangement.
Maintenance, planting and propagation of Bacopa caroliniana
The mini pot version is ultra simple to use: simply plant the entire pot (made of biodegradable fiber) in the ground. If you prefer, you can also remove it and plant the stems separately. Be careful not to overcrowd them: good spacing will prevent competition and encourage good growth. Once well rooted, the plant is stable. In the meantime, you can hold it with a small weight or lean it against a rock .
Propagating it couldn't be simpler: simply cut a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and replant directly. It will quickly establish roots. Proper maintenance involves removing bare stems, dead leaves, or overly tall shoots to keep the bed neat and compact. Also, remember to monitor water quality and clean the filter to avoid a buildup of organic waste.
Although slow-growing, Bacopa is a rather demanding plant. It absorbs nutrients well, which sometimes limits the proliferation of unwanted algae. However, it can die back after planting—especially if acclimated from an emerged form. Don't panic: simply cut back what dies and let the new shoots take over.
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' – The slender, easy-to-fix fern
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' , also known as the narrow-leaved Java fern, is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and aquascaping enthusiasts alike . It grows naturally attached to an aquarium root or rock , without the need for substrate, making it very easy to install. Its thin, elongated leaves offer a fluid and elegant movement in the water . It is not demanding: moderate light, no need for CO2, and a good ability to adapt to different parameters. In addition to being decorative, it also offers perfect hiding places for fish and shrimp . It is a plant that grows slowly but surely.
Thin, slender leaves for an elegant, natural touch
Easily attaches to roots or stones without substrate
Sansibar DARK 5kg from JBL is a perfect root support : substrate for freshwater or saltwater aquariums and terrariums. Plants thrive: the size and density of the fine particles prevent the penetration of humus and other waste .
Sansibar DARK 10kg from JBL provides good root support . This black soil substrate for freshwater or saltwater and terrariums, will allow you to obtain vigorous plant growth : the fine grain and density prevent the penetration of humus and other waste.
Utricularia graminifolia – Aesthetic and carnivorous plant carpet
Utricularia graminifolia from Tropica is a bit of a UFO among aquarium plants. With its miniature grass look and surprising carnivorous properties, this in vitro plant is a sensation in the foreground. It forms a pretty, dense, light green carpet , all in finesse, which dresses the aquarium floor with a stunning naturalness. In addition to its ultra decorative appearance, it feeds on microorganisms thanks to its small invisible skins , a real plus in well-balanced tanks. It loves light, thrives in soft water and prefers a dry planting to root well. With a good CO2 system and a little patience, it becomes the number one visual asset of your aquascape.
Forms a dense, natural green carpet in the foreground
Discreet and original carnivorous plant in the aquarium
In vitro, clean, algae and parasite free for easy integration
Rotala wallichii – Bright red stems and airy foliage
Tropica 's Rotala wallichii is an exceptional stem plant for enthusiasts who love challenges... and rewards. With its finely cut foliage and spectacular pinkish-red color in good lighting, it transforms an aquarium background into a living tableau. It grows up to 30 cm tall and offers a magnificent contrast with surrounding green plants. Very decorative when planted in groups, it requires strong lighting and a well-established CO2 system . Soft, slightly acidic water and good nutrients are also essential to reveal its full potential. A true star for well-maintained tanks.
Fine, colorful foliage, perfect for the aquarium background
Brings spectacular red and pink hues
Ideal for aquascaping tanks and experienced enthusiasts
Blyxa japonica – Aquatic herb with elegant, dancing foliage
Blyxa japonica from Tropica is a unique aquarium plant. With its leaves shaped like soft strands that undulate in the current, it immediately gives a natural and lively look to the decor. Its dense habit and its olive green color that can turn red under strong light make it an ideal choice for the middle or background of the tank. Cultivated in vitro, it arrives without algae, snails, or pesticides , and integrates easily into aquascapes of all sizes, even nano. Moderately demanding, it appreciates intense lighting , a good substrate, and a CO2 system if possible. A plant that is both graphic and functional, perfect for adding movement and texture.
Dense and supple foliage which elegantly enlivens the decor
Ideal for the midground or background of a planted aquarium
Compatible with nano aquariums, medium-demanding and decorative
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' – The most intense red glow
Rotala rotundifolia 'Blood Red' is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular plants for adding color to an aquarium. A native of Asia, this variety boasts a deep, vibrant red color that creates a striking contrast alongside light green plants. Easy to maintain, it thrives even in moderate light and nutrient conditions, although strong lighting and an optimized CO2 system are recommended to reveal its full potential. It grows tall, with gently arching stems that form a dense, bushy structure. Easily trimmed, it can be used to create colorful, dynamic, and modern displays in any type of tank.
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' – The slender, easy-to-fix fern
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' , also known as the narrow-leaved Java fern, is an ideal aquarium plant for beginners and aquascaping enthusiasts alike . It grows naturally attached to an aquarium root or rock , without the need for substrate, making it very easy to install. Its thin, elongated leaves offer a fluid and elegant movement in the water . It is not demanding: moderate light, no need for CO2, and a good ability to adapt to different parameters. In addition to being decorative, it also offers perfect hiding places for fish and shrimp . It is a plant that grows slowly but surely.
Thin, slender leaves for an elegant, natural touch
Easily attaches to roots or stones without substrate
