Water HyssopBacopa caroliniana

This is an aromatic, easy to grow, mid-ground to background stemmed plant. Its growth rate is moderate, so you will not have to be concerned that this plant will take over the aquarium.

To grow this plant, a plain gravel or sandy substrate should be used. If allowed to grow above the surface of the water, the Water Hyssop will produce attractive blue flowers. Flowers that occur under water will rot.

The Water Hyssop should be planted in groups about 2 inches apart for the best effect. The smallish, light green oval leaves will provide a nice contrast to other plants in the aquarium. In very bright light, the leaves may turn reddish.

The tender leaves of the Water Hyssop are very tempting to herbivorous fish, so avoid keeping plant-eating fish with this plant, unless you intend for it to be used as a vegetable fish food.