Share
The beautifulChaenostoma cordatum,also known asSutera cordataor the bacopa plant, is a low-growing trailing perennial.
It belongs to a genus calledScrophulariaceae.
Gardeners love to cultivate it because the plant attracts butterflies.
Its tiny heart-shaped green leaves are beautiful and have serrated edges.
Which Plants Are Commonly Confused With Bacopa?
Sutera cordatadoesnt actually belong to the bacopa genus, even though it is called by a similar name.
This can be confusing!
To help sort things out, here are two common plants people confuse it with.
Although they have similar flowers, the two are very different.
The bacopa aquarium plant is often used as a medicinal plant.
It is known by names like water hyssop, brahmi, and thyme-leafed gratiola.
Bacopa caroliniana
Share iconImage credits:velvetes_
Bacopacarolinianais an aquarium plant that can be used ornamentally.
Its easy to grow and an excellent choice for beginners.
The plant has tiny leaves that produce a lemony scent when crushed.
It has lovely blue flowers with five petals.
you’re free to grow it above or below water, but its flowers will rot when immersed.
Heres how to do it.
Where Is the Best Place to Plant Bacopa?
Share iconImage credits:D_Theodora
Plant bacopa in a location that will get full or partial sun.
It should be protected from heavy winds.
Hanging plant pots are the best option for this trailing plant.
When to Grow Bacopa
Share iconImage credits:Forest & Kim Starr
This plant prefers mild climates.
The best time to grow bacopa outside is early or mid-spring after the threat of frost has passed.
you’re free to either cultivate it from seeds or cuttings.
Here are a few things you’ve got the option to do to ensure the plant thrives.
Light
The trailing annual needs plenty of sunlight.
If its growing in a very sunny spot, ensure the soil is always moist.
Soil
Sutera cordataneeds soil with good drainage.
Cultivate the plant in containers with all-purpose potting soil.
The optimal soil pH required is 5.65.9.
Water
Regular watering will keep your bacopa happy and healthy.
Water the plant liberally and double-check that its soil is always moist.
It will lose buds if it isnt watered enough.
Temperature and Humidity
Bacopa wont be able to flower in extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
you could use ahumidifierto recreate its ideal growing conditions if planted inside.
Fertilizer
Regular fertilizing will help keep the plant healthy and blooming all season long.
Use a water-soluble fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label.
If the plant is browning or yellowing, that is a sign that it needs more nutrients.
Landscape plants should be fertilized every 23 weeks, while container plants need fertilizing every 12 weeks.
Repotting the Bacopa
The best time to transplant bacopa is during late winter or early spring.
This will provide the ideal temperature for root development before the hot weather sets in.
When youre repotting it, ensure the container is one size bigger so the plants have room to grow.
These plants are considered self-cleaning, meaning you dont have to deadhead them.
Care for bacopa plants by removing spent flowers.
This will help with blooming.
Occasionally trim it back by 56 inches to improve growth.
This will also make it look tidier, increase air circulation, and lead to healthier stems and roots.
Overwintering
TheSutera cordatawill start dying once the first frost comes.
you’ve got the option to also use a grow light that will help the plant stay warm.
Flowers and buds will drop the moment the soil gets too dry.
They will bloom again 23 weeks after being properly watered.
Remove wiltedflowersto encourage new growth and blooming.
It can grow up to 48 inches tall.
It is a perfect ground cover that will help beautify your landscape.
It can grow up to 410 inches tall.
Its growing zones are USDA 911.
When placed in a hanging container, the plant can cascade up to four feet long.
It is a low-maintenance plant that can also be used for garden borders.
But sometimes, it can be threatened by aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, or thrips.
Here are a few options that can add to the splendor of the bacopa.
They spread out of its long, slender, burgundy-colored leaves.
They will create a striking visual effect in your yard.
Purple fountain grass can also be used to make flower arrangements.
Wax Begonia
Share iconImage credits:HoangXuan
This flowering plant is very similar to the bacopa plant.
Its flowers are also self-cleaning and dont need to be deadheaded.
Waxbegoniacan be grown in gardens or cultivated as a houseplant.
It has glossy, waxy-looking leaves that are often green, bronze, or maroon.
Its flowers are white, pink, or red.
They come in various colors, such as red, pink, orange, or white.
Their leaves are lush and green with bronze or purple markings.
Some geraniums trail beautifully and can be grown as hanging plants in the house.
Why Is Your Bacopa Turning Brown?
TheSutera cordatacan turn brown due to an iron deficiency.
A lower soil pH will make more iron available to plant roots.
