Plant Profile
Bacopa Salzmannii Purple (aka Bacopa Purple) is a sought-after aquatic stem plant native to the tropical Americas and Southeastern United States. Most Bacopa species stay green, but this one doesn't get the memo! Instead, it produces purple and magenta foliage when grown under optimal aquarium conditions. Featuring rounded, succulent-like leaves set along sturdy vertical stems, it doesn't demand perfect conditions to hold its color (unlike a lot of high-color stem plants), making it a solid pick for beginners. It works well as a midground or foreground focal point, adding dark-purple contrast against greener neighbors in a planted aquascape.
*Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants.
Key Features & Benefits
- Deep purple, violet, and magenta leaves deliver uncommon color.
- Vertical stems and rounded leaves form structured midground terraces through routine pruning and replanting.
- Hardiness and adaptability make it a rewarding purple choice for both high-tech and modest planted tanks.
Care & Planting Instructions
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Remove lead weight and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower growth.
- Provide medium-to-high lighting and consistent liquid or root fertilization; adding pressurized CO2 injection and iron supplementation maximizes its deep purple pigmentation.
- Maintain stable water parameters and clean water conditions to support fast root attachment and steady growth.
- Trim stem tops or lateral shoots with straight scissors, and simply replant trimmings or basal runners into substrate to propagate new shoots. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Scientific Name |
Bacopa salzmannii 'Purple' |
| Common Name(s) |
Bacopa Salzmannii Purple, Bacopa Purple, Bacopa SG |
| Family |
Plantaginaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy |
Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty |
Easy to Moderate |
| Light Requirement |
Medium to High |
| CO2 Requirement |
Medium / Recommended (Essential for deep purple coloration) |
| Placement / Usage |
Foreground / Midground Terracing |
| Height / Size |
7.8–23.6”+ |
| Growth Rate |
Medium |
| Water Parameters |
pH 5.0–7.5 |
| Propagation Method |
Cuttings (Cut stem tops, side shoots, or runners) |
| Origin |
Southeastern U.S. / Central & South America |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. How do I get my Bacopa Salzmannii Purple to turn deep purple?
While this variety naturally possesses purple tendencies, reaching its intense, rich violet-purple coloration requires medium-to-high light intensity, pressurized CO2 injection, micronutrient dosing with liquid iron, and a nutrient-dense substrate.
3. How do I transition Bacopa Salzmannii Purple from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under medium-to-high lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its thicker emersed green/bronze leaves and sprout vivid purple underwater foliage. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
