Growing Bacopa Plants Indoors: 12 Tips for Lush and Healthy Plants

Bacopa, also known as water hyssop, is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful flowers and groundcover abilities. With its cascading foliage and pretty blooms, bacopa can make a gorgeous addition to any indoor space However, keeping bacopa happy and healthy indoors does require some special care and attention Follow these 12 tips to grow lush, thriving bacopa plants in your home.

1. Choose the Right Bacopa Species

There are actually several different species of bacopa houseplants to choose from, Some popular varieties include

• Bacopa monnieri – This species has light green oval leaves and tiny white flowers. It is a low, spreading plant, growing just 2-4 inches tall.

• Bacopa caroliniana – Known for its blue flowers, this is a slightly larger species reaching 6-12 inches tall. The leaves are round and fleshy.

• Bacopa amplexicaulis – This variety has triangular-shaped leaves and blue flowers. It is a creeping plant that spreads out horizontally.

For indoor growing, Bacopa monnieri and Bacopa caroliniana are good choices as they stay short and compact. Bacopa amplexicaulis spreads more vigorously and may require more frequent trimming.

2. Provide the Right Growing Conditions

Once you’ve selected your bacopa species, be sure to provide the proper growing conditions:

Light: Bright, indirect light. An east or west facing window is ideal. Bacopa can tolerate a couple hours of direct morning or evening sun but avoid hot midday sun.

Temperature: Warm temperatures between 65-80°F.

Humidity: Bacopa prefers moderate to high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier.

Soil: Rich, slightly moist soil that drains well. A general houseplant potting mix amended with compost works great.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.

3. Use the Right Planter or Container

Choose a planter or container with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent soggy soil. Shallow pots around 4-6 inches deep work well for bacopa’s spreading growth habit.

For a cascading effect, plant bacopa in a hanging basket. Or use the plant as a groundcover in a larger container mixed with taller plants.

Terra cotta, ceramic, and plastic pots are suitable materials for growing bacopa indoors. Make sure the pot is just large enough to accommodate the root ball. Overpotting can lead to excess moisture.

4. Prune Bacopa Regularly

To keep bacopa full and compact, pruning is essential. Trim off any overgrown, leggy stems back to just above a set of leaves or nodes. This encourages the plant to branch out bushier.

Pruning also keeps growth contained if bacopa starts spreading too far outside the pot. Don’t be afraid to give it a haircut as needed.

5. Fertilize Every 2-4 Weeks During Growth

While actively growing, bacopa benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the spring through fall.

Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows. And if the plant looks pale, fertilize more often to boost nutrients.

6. Propagate with Stem Cuttings

As you prune and trim bacopa, you can use the cuttings to propagate more plants! Simply take 3-4 inch cuttings and remove the lower leaves.

Place the cuttings in water or moist potting mix. Keep them warm and humid until roots form in a few weeks. Then pot up the rooted cuttings into soil.

7. Repot Bacopa Annually

Bacopa’s roots tend to grow quickly, so repotting each year keeps the plant healthy. Move it into a container just one size larger in the spring.

Carefully remove the rootball and loosen any circled roots before replanting in fresh potting mix. This encourages new growth.

8. Grow Bacopa in a Terrarium

The high humidity and moisture levels in a terrarium provide an ideal environment for growing bacopa indoors. Plant bacopa near the edges or in the background of the terrarium.

Its cascading foliage and pretty flowers make a beautiful display. Just be sure not to overcrowd the container and provide adequate airflow.

9. Display Bacopa in a Hanging Basket

For an eye-catching way to show off trailing bacopa, use the plant in a hanging basket. Plant it near the edges to drape gracefully over the sides.

Choose a lightweight soil mix and don’t allow the basket to dry out. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Mist the leaves daily for added humidity.

10. Add Bacopa to Mixed Planters

With its spreading growth habit, bacopa works perfectly as a “spiller” plant in mixed containers. Plant it near the edges alongside taller “thriller” plants like palms or dracaena.

Let the bacopa trail over the pot’s sides. Its blue or white blooms weaving throughout provide a beautiful contrast of colors and textures.

11. Watch for Pests

Generally speaking, bacopa is less prone to insects than many houseplants. But watch for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whitefly.

Isolate any infested plants and remove the pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve growing conditions to avoid stressed plants that attract bugs.

12. Enjoy Bacopa’s Soothing Scents

One extra benefit of growing bacopa is its fragrant foliage. When brushed up against or pruned, bacopa releases a delicate lemony aroma.

Simply brush your hand over the leaves or stems to release the refreshing scent. It’s perfect for planting along walkways or paths to enjoy its subtle perfume.

With a little TLC, it’s easy to get abundant growth from bacopa indoors. Follow these tips to grow lush, healthy bacopa plants that will cascade beautifully in any home. Just be sure to give it bright, filtered light, warm temps, humidity, moist soil, and regular trimming. In no time you’ll have thriving bacopa to enjoy!