My Garden
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial plant | |
| Estimated Plant Lifespan | 2 years lifespan | |
| Sun Requirements | 4-6 hours direct sunlight (Partial Sun) | |
| Pollination | Method: animal Notes: Primarily pollinated by bees and other small insects which are attracted to its abundant flowers. | |
| Watering Requirements | Method: top water Frequency: when top inch of soil feels dry Notes: Bacopa prefers consistently moist soil, especially when grown in containers or during hot weather. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause wilting and stress. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. | |
| Humidity Requirements | Level: moderate Maintenance: no specific maintenance method typically required for outdoor growing, but good air circulation is beneficial. Can tolerate higher humidity. | |
| Care Instructions | While not strictly necessary, light trimming or 'deadheading' spent flowers can encourage more vigorous growth and continuous blooming, though Bacopa is largely self-cleaning. Protect from frost, as it is tender and will not survive freezing temperatures. Consistent moisture is key for abundant flowering. Fertilize regularly during the growing season for best performance. | |
| Alternative Names | Forest Skunkbush, Sutera cordata, Manulea cordata, Sutera cordata cordata |
Cultivars
Blue
Megacopa Blue
Megacopa Plum
Snowflake
Vigorous, upright varieties of Coleus can quickly overshadow lower-growing plants like Bacopa, especially if not pruned regularly. While both appreciate moisture, the height and leaf density of Coleus can block light, reducing Bacopa's flowering and overall vigor when planted too closely.
Small, pear-shaped insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, sucking sap. Infested plants may show distorted, yellowing, or curled leaves, and a sticky residue (honeydew) may be present, leading to sooty mold.
Tiny, moth-like insects often found on the undersides of leaves. They fly up in a cloud when disturbed. Like aphids, they feed on plant sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and honeydew production.
Microscopic arachnids that feed on plant cells, often on the undersides of leaves. Symptoms include tiny stippling (pinprick dots) on leaves, bronze or yellowing foliage, and fine webbing in severe infestations. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Steps:
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems about 4-6 inches long from a mature Bacopa plant.
- Make a clean cut just below a leaf node using sharp, sterile shears or a knife.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone (optional, but can improve success rate).
- Insert the prepared cuttings into a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat and perlite or sand.
- Ensure at least one leaf node is buried in the soil.
- Water the cuttings thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
- Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment, ensuring the plastic does not touch the leaves.
- Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Roots typically form within 2-4 weeks.
- Gently tug on a cutting; if there's resistance, roots have formed. Once well-rooted, remove the cover and transplant to individual pots or their final growing location.
Balanced Slow-Release Granular Fertilizer
Provides a steady supply of essential nutrients over time, supporting continuous blooming and vigorous growth without over-fertilizing.
Neem Oil Spray
An organic insecticide and fungicide effective against common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, working as an anti-feedant and growth disruptor.
Insecticidal Soap
A natural contact insecticide that smothers soft-bodied pests like aphids and whiteflies without harming beneficial insects or leaving harmful residues.
Well-Draining Potting Mix
Ensures proper aeration and drainage, preventing root rot while retaining sufficient moisture, crucial for Bacopa's health in containers.