Bacopa salzmannii sp Purple SG

Bacopa salzmannii sp. Purple SG — Rare Violet Brilliance for the Planted Tank

Bacopa salzmannii sp. Purple SG is one of the most visually striking stem plants available in the aquascaping hobby. A select growth (SG) variant prized for its exceptional colour expression, it produces small, rounded leaves that shift from green at the base to a rich, saturated violet-purple toward the growing tips — a gradient of colour that intensifies beautifully under strong lighting.

Native to the Americas, this Bacopa variant brings a rare warm-toned purple hue that few aquatic plants can match. Planted in groups, it creates a stunning mid-to-background display that draws the eye and adds a layer of colour contrast that transforms an ordinary aquascape into something truly extraordinary.

Appearance

• Height: 15 – 40 cm (6 – 16 inches); ideal for midground to background placement
• Leaves: Small, rounded, opposite pairs; green at the base transitioning to deep violet-purple at the tips under good lighting
• Growth habit: Upright stem plant; branches moderately when trimmed

Care & Planting Tips

• Plant in groups of 5+ stems for the most dramatic colour display
• High lighting is essential to bring out the deepest purple colouration — low light will cause it to revert to green
• CO₂ supplementation strongly recommended for vibrant growth and colour intensity
• Ensure adequate iron and micronutrient levels — deficiencies will dull the purple tones
• Propagates easily by cuttings — trim and replant to encourage bushier growth

Ideal Tank Parameters

• pH: 6.0 – 7.2
• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Lighting: High (essential for purple colouration)
• CO₂: Strongly recommended
• Fertilization: Regular liquid fertilizer with iron and micronutrients

Sold as a stem cutting. Leaf colouration is highly dependent on lighting intensity — the stronger the light, the more vivid the purple. Limited availability — a collector’s favourite.