Bacopa salzmannii Purple - ADA TC

Bacopa salzmannii – ADA Tissue Culture

Bacopa salzmannii is a beautiful stem plant known for its vibrant green leaves and adaptable nature, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Under ideal conditions, it can display a range of colors, from green to purple or pink, depending on lighting and nutrient availability. Bacopa salzmannii grows vertically and is well-suited for the background or midground of an aquascape. This ADA Tissue Culture ensures that the plant is free from pests, snails, and algae, giving it the perfect start in your aquarium.

Care Guide for Bacopa salzmannii

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Moderate to High light is recommended for Bacopa salzmannii. Higher lighting encourages faster growth and may promote more vibrant coloration, including shades of pink or purple. In lower light conditions, the plant tends to stay green and grow slower.

• CO2: CO2 is not required but highly recommended. CO2 injection will increase growth speed, enhance color intensity, and improve the overall health of the plant.

• Substrate: Bacopa salzmannii will thrive in a nutrient-rich substrate, such as ADA Aqua Soil. The plant has a strong root system that benefits from good access to nutrients, though it can also absorb nutrients from the water column through liquid fertilizers.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (Slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2 – 12 dGH)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture:

   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container. The tissue culture plant comes in a nutrient gel medium designed for sterile growth.

2. Rinsing:

   • Gently remove the Bacopa salzmannii from the container and rinse off all of the nutrient gel under lukewarm water. This is an important step to ensure the gel does not cause water quality issues in your aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plantlets:

   • After rinsing, separate the plant into smaller portions. You can gently divide the clumps with your fingers or aquascaping scissors. Each portion can be planted individually.

4. Planting:

   • Using aquascaping tweezers, plant each portion into the substrate, burying the roots while keeping the stems and leaves above the substrate. Space the portions about 1 inch apart to allow for adequate growth and expansion.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Bacopa salzmannii has a moderate to fast growth rate depending on the lighting and CO2 availability. Under high light and nutrient-rich conditions, you can expect rapid vertical growth.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Cut the top portions and replant them to propagate new stems, which will help create a bushier look.

• Fertilization: Bacopa salzmannii benefits from liquid fertilizers rich in macro and micronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, iron, and trace elements. Providing these nutrients ensures strong growth and enhances coloration.

• Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are recommended to maintain water quality and provide a stable environment for healthy plant growth.

Special Considerations:

• Lighting for Coloration: High-intensity light can bring out subtle shades of pink, purple, or reddish hues in Bacopa salzmannii, especially at the tips of the plant. In lower light, the plant will remain mostly green.

• Ideal Placement: Bacopa salzmannii is best placed in the background or midground of the aquarium. It works well in aquascapes as it adds vertical height and a splash of color to the layout.

• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is beneficial for nutrient distribution, but Bacopa salzmannii can tolerate varying flow conditions, from slow to moderate.

Propagation:

• Bacopa salzmannii propagates easily through stem cuttings. Simply trim the top portions of the plant and replant them into the substrate. The trimmed stem will develop new roots and continue to grow, helping to create a fuller look.

Summary:

Bacopa salzmannii is an adaptable and vibrant stem plant, ideal for adding height and color to your aquascape. With proper care, including moderate to high lighting, CO2 supplementation, and nutrient-rich substrate, it will thrive and potentially show hues of pink or purple. Packaged in an ADA Tissue Culture, this plant is free from pests and contaminants, providing you with healthy and pristine plantlets ready for planting in your aquarium.

Tissue Culture Quick Tips:

• Rinse thoroughly to remove the nutrient gel before planting.
• Divide into small portions and plant each section in nutrient-rich substrate.
• Provide moderate to high lighting for healthy growth and vibrant coloration.
• CO2 and liquid fertilizers are beneficial for faster growth and enhanced color.