Bacopa sp. "Colorata"

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This variety is a

Color & Texture: form or geographic selection native to the warm regions of North or South America. It populates sunny marshes, wet ditches, and slow-moving waters, growing both submerged and emersed. In nature, it develops in areas with very high direct solar exposure, a key ecological factor that has driven the evolution of its intense pinkish colorations as a cellular protective mechanism against excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Taxonomy & Genetics: It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and the genus Bacopa. It is likely a color variant or stabilized selection of Bacopa caroliniana. Genetically, it possesses the ability to synthesize high concentrations of anthocyanins and carotenoids in response to strong light and iron availability, which partially inhibits the green color of chlorophyll in the apical shoots, giving the plant its unique coloration.

Physical Structure: It features erect, robust, and fleshy stems that grow vertically toward the surface. The leaves are sessile, opposite, oval or lanceolate in shape, arranged in pairs along the stem. Compared to Bacopa australis, it has significantly thicker stems and larger leaves. The root system is strong and fibrous, capable of expanding into the substrate to firmly anchor the erect stem.

Color & Texture: In low light conditions, the leaves are light green. Under intense lighting and proper iron balance, however, the entire plant (especially the upper part) assumes an extraordinary baby pink, salmon pink, or very vibrant purple-red color. The leaf texture is thick, slightly fleshy, and smooth, with an aromatic citrus scent when crushed.

Lighting & CO2: Requires very intense lighting (high intensity LED). If light is insufficient, it quickly loses its pink coloration, turning green and showing long internodes and weak stems. Constant CO2 supply is highly recommended to support its high metabolism and stimulate dense stems.

Nutrition & Substrate: Needs a rich and fertilized substrate. As a medium-fast growing stem plant, it benefits significantly from fertilizer tablets rich in iron and potassium in the bottom. Iron deficiency manifests immediately with fading of the pink colors and leaf yellowing.

Water Chemistry: Tolerates a wide range of values, with pH between 5.0 and 7.5, KH hardness between 2 and 18 dKH, and temperatures from 4°C to 29°C. However, to promote the best colorations, it is preferable to grow it in soft or medium water and maintain stable temperatures between 20°C and 26°C.

Space Management & Placement: Ideally placed in the background or as a splash of color in the midground of the aquarium. Its bright pink coloration creates an exceptional visual contrast when placed in dense groups near dark green or fine-leaved plants (such as mosses).

Pruning: Growth is medium-fast. Requires periodic pruning to keep the bush compact and prevent the stems from shading the lower part of the plant. Pruning is carried out by topping the stems at the desired height; the cut tips can be replanted directly into the bottom to propagate it.

Risks & Diseases: The main risk is the loss of pink coloration due to insufficient light or deficiency of iron and trace elements. Another problem is rot at the base of the stem if planted too close to other stems; leaving at least 1-2 cm of space between individual stems is recommended.