If you’re looking to add something special to your vivarium, then Bacopa monnieri, more commonly known as moneywort, might be the perfect aquatic plant for you.
This fast-growing plant is not only easy to care for, but it also adds color and texture to any aquarium.
Not only that, but its medicinal properties can have beneficial effects on your health.
In this article, we’ll explore all the reasons why Moneywort is a great vivarium plant and give you the information you need to keep it happy and healthy.
| Quick Stats: | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bacopa monnieri |
| Common Name | Moneywort, Water Hyssop |
| Family Name | Plantaginaceae |
| Habitat | Freshwater, Aquatic |
| Temperature | 75°F to 85°F |
| Height | 4in |
| pH | 6.6 to 7.6 |
| Lighting | Bright but indirect |
What is a Moneywort?
Bacopa monnieri is a flowering aquatic plant that has been used for centuries in swamps, ponds, and even the fish-filled waters of temples.
Today, this plant is one of the most popular species of aquarium plants and is widely used for aesthetic purposes in aquascaping.
Moneywort Facts
One interesting fact about Bacopa monnieri is that it can produce small white fruits that contain many of its essential nutrients.
These fruits are also a great source of food for small animals such as copepods, aquatic insects, and small fish fry.
Additionally, this plant is known to improve water clarity by making nitrogen available to the roots, filtering out pollutants, and stabilizing pH levels.
Description
This aquatic herb has small, fleshy leaves that are generally about 1 cm wide and 2 cm long.
The stems are delicate and can reach up to 10 cm in height with reddish stems and small, white flowers.
This plant has a shallow, but well-networked root system with numerous densely placed lateral roots.
Habitat
Bacopa monnieri is a native of India and Sri Lanka, but it can now be found in many other parts of the world including the United States.
This plant generally prefers slow-moving, nutrient-rich waters and is typically found in ponds, swamps, and other shallow waters.
pH Preference
The preferred pH range of Bacopa monnieri is 6.6 to 7.6, but it can tolerate pH levels outside of this range.
Its ability to oxygenate its environment helps provide an ideal pH range for a range of other species living in the aquarium.
Vivarium Type
Moneywort is quite an easy-going species. With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when it comes to choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in.
It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs.
The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant.
Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
-
- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
-
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
-
- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
-
- Aquarium– Fully aquatic-based enclosure with little to no dry terrain.
Vivarium Placement
When making a suitable environment for Bacopa monnieri, there are several factors to keep in mind.
This plant should be planted on a substrate that is about 4 inches deep, as a more shallow depth can lead to poor growth.
The area surrounding the plant should also be sheltered from direct rays of light and direct water currents.
Substrate
Bacopa monnieri does not require any special aquarium substrate for its growth, but a nutrient-rich soil mixture is recommended for optimum results.
This plant can also be grown in sand, gravel, or a combination of both.
Lighting
Bacopa monnieri needs bright but indirect aquarium lighting to remain in optimal condition.
This means that direct sunlight is not necessary, and the light should be filtered by water or an aquarium hood.
Additionally, the plant should receive no less than 8 hours of light per day.
Buy Moneywort
When it comes to buying Bacopa monnieri, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to find out more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Moneywort Care and Propagation
Bacopa monnieri is a very low-maintenance plant that is fairly tolerant of some slight variations in water parameters.
However, it is important to ensure that the water remains within its desired range, as large fluctuations can cause it to decline.
How to Grow
Bacopa monnieri can be grown from cuttings by planting them on the substrate and partially submerging them in water.
The plant needs to be kept in consistently warm and nutrient-rich conditions for optimal growth.
Water Requirements
Bacopa monnieri is a semi–aquatic plant that grows best in wet soils, with roots consistently kept in water.
The plant should be kept consistently moist and should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Moneywort should be grown in aquatic environments, where the water is shallow and the soil is kept damp to wet.
Given the right environment, Moneywort can survive up to one week without water.
Despite this resilience, the best results will come from being in an aquatic environment, as the plant needs to be consistently moist for optimal growth.
Plants Similar to Moneywort
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup.
Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find Moneywort hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this aquarium plant…
Here are other aquatic plants you might find will do well with or in place of Bacopa monnieri:
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning to create a vivarium to serve as a dramatic centerpiece or just looking for a lively and easy-to-maintain plant for a windowsill, Bacopa monnieri or Moneywort is an excellent choice.
Its low-maintenance needs, ability to thrive in warm and damp environments, and potential health benefits make it an excellent addition to any home.
So, what are you waiting for? Start growing this vibrant and lively plant today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) is a great aquarium plant for beginners. Its low maintenance and slow-growing nature make it an ideal choice for aquariums of all sizes. Moneywort can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and has been known to help improve water quality in tanks. Additionally, its thick stems provide shelter for small fish and can help keep the aquarium substrate clean.
Yes, moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) is a hardy aquatic plant that is easy to grow. It can tolerate a wide range of water parameters and propagate quickly, making it an ideal choice for beginners to aquatic gardening.
Moneywort is an herb that can be eaten raw, cooked, brewed as tea, or taken as a dietary supplement. It is used for digestive disorders such as diarrhea and constipation, for respiratory problems, to stimulate circulation and boost the immune system, and for liver and gallbladder disorders.
Additionally, Moneywort is a popular aquatic plant for aquariums, known for its bright green foliage and its ability to provide oxygen for fish and marine creatures. Its dense growth helps create hiding spots for fish and other aquatic animals, acting as a sanctuary from unwanted predators. Moneywort also helps improve water quality by consuming nitrate, ammonia, and other pollutants. In addition, it can be used to reduce algae growth, providing balance to the aquarium ecosystem.
Yes, moneywort is an aquatic plant. It is an aquatic plant that can be grown partially submerged, fully submerged, or floating. It can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and is often used as a background plant or carpeting plant in aquatic setups.
No, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) and moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) are not the same thing. Creeping Jenny is an evergreen groundcover plant with small round leaves, while moneywort is an aquatic herb with small oval leaves.
Yes, you can eat moneywort (Bacopa monnieri). It is often used as a medicinal herb for its antioxidant and calming properties, but can also be eaten raw or cooked. Moneywort can be blended, steamed, boiled, stir–fried, or used in soups or salads.
No, Bacopa and Ashwagandha are two different herbal supplements, with slightly different properties and uses. Bacopa is an adaptogen that is believed to help with memory and cognitive function, while Ashwagandha is an antioxidant used to reduce stress and anxiety.
Yes, Moneywort (Bacopa Monnieri) can grow in low light.