If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in both aquariums and gardens, moneywort deserves your attention. I've grown this adaptable stem plant for years, and it never fails to impress with its bright green leaves and forgiving nature. Whether you call it Bacopa monnieri, water hyssop, or brahmi, this plant offers something special for every level of gardener.
Moneywort stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly aquatic plants available. Unlike demanding species that require perfect conditions, moneywort adapts to various environments with minimal fuss. The plant's rounded, coin-shaped leaves grow in opposite pairs along sturdy stems that can reach 12 inches in height. When happy, it produces delicate white or light purple flowers that add an unexpected charm to your setup.
What makes moneywort particularly interesting is its dual nature. While most aquarium enthusiasts know it as a submersed plant, it grows equally well emersed in bog gardens, terrariums, and even as a houseplant. This flexibility, combined with its moderate growth rate and low maintenance requirements, explains why both beginners and experienced aquarists keep coming back to moneywort.
Beyond its ornamental value, Bacopa monnieri has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Modern research has validated many traditional claims about its cognitive and anti-inflammatory properties, though we'll focus primarily on its cultivation rather than medicinal applications in this guide.
Moneywort Species and Varieties: Know What You're Growing
Not all moneywort is created equal. The term actually covers several distinct species that look similar but have different care requirements. Understanding these differences will save you from frustration and help your plants thrive.
Bacopa monnieri (True Moneywort)
Bacopa monnieri is the classic aquarium moneywort. Its leaves are thick, succulent, and almost perfectly round, measuring about 0.5 to 1 inch across. The stems grow upright in aquariums but tend to creep horizontally in terrestrial settings. This species tolerates a wide range of water parameters and grows well in low to medium light. You'll recognize true moneywort by its distinctive lemon scent when crushed and its ability to grow in brackish water.
Bacopa caroliniana (Giant Bacopa)
Often confused with B. monnieri, Bacopa caroliniana has slightly larger, more oval leaves with a hint of red coloration under high light. It grows faster than true moneywort and prefers slightly cooler temperatures. The stems are thicker, and the plant develops a bushier appearance. If your "moneywort" has leaves longer than an inch or shows reddish tints, you probably have B. caroliniana.
Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny)
Creeping Jenny gets mistakenly sold as moneywort due to its similar leaf shape. However, it's a completely different genus that prefers terrestrial or marginal growth. The leaves are thinner, more delicate, and grow in opposite pairs like moneywort, but the plant struggles when fully submerged for extended periods. It produces bright yellow flowers instead of white ones and grows much faster in garden settings.
The easiest way to differentiate these species is through growth patterns. True moneywort maintains consistent growth whether submerged or emersed. Bacopa caroliniana grows noticeably faster and larger, while Creeping Jenny eventually deteriorates if kept underwater permanently.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Moneywort Success
Creating the right environment for moneywort doesn't require expensive equipment or perfect conditions. This plant earned its reputation as beginner-friendly by tolerating a wide range of parameters, but understanding its preferences helps achieve optimal growth.
Lighting Requirements
Moneywort thrives under low to medium lighting, making it perfect for standard aquarium setups. I've successfully grown it under basic LED fixtures providing just 20-30 PAR at substrate level. Under low light, expect slower, compact growth with darker green leaves. Medium lighting (30-50 PAR) promotes faster growth and slightly larger leaves. High lighting isn't necessary and can actually cause problems by encouraging algae growth on the leaves.
For terrestrial growth, place moneywort in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially during summer months. A north or east-facing window works perfectly for indoor cultivation.
Temperature Range
Temperature flexibility is one of moneywort's best features. It grows well between 64-82°F (18-28°C), with optimal growth occurring around 72-78°F (22-26°C). I've kept it in unheated tanks that drop to 60°F in winter, and while growth slows considerably, the plant survives without issue. Higher temperatures above 82°F accelerate growth but also increase nutrient demands and can lead to leggy growth.
Water Parameters
Moneywort adapts to various water conditions, but it performs best in slightly soft to moderately hard water. Ideal parameters include pH 6.0-7.5, GH 3-8, and KH 2-5. The plant tolerates pH swings better than most aquarium plants, making it suitable for tanks with CO2 injection that experience daily pH fluctuations. Interestingly, moneywort can even handle slightly brackish conditions up to 1.002 specific gravity, though growth slows in saltwater.
Substrate Preferences
While moneywort grows in any substrate, including plain gravel, it develops stronger root systems in nutrient-rich substrates. I've had excellent results with aquarium soil, but even inert sand works if you provide water column fertilization. The roots primarily anchor the plant rather than absorb nutrients, as moneywort feeds mainly through its leaves and stems. This characteristic makes it ideal for new setups where substrate nutrients haven't accumulated yet.
How to Plant Moneywort in Your Aquarium: Step-by-Step Guide
Planting moneywort correctly sets the foundation for healthy growth. While this plant forgives many mistakes, proper planting technique prevents common issues like floating stems and promotes faster establishment.
Preparing Your Stems
Start by examining your moneywort stems. Remove any damaged, yellowing, or melting leaves from the bottom 2-3 inches of each stem. These buried portions won't photosynthesize anyway and can rot, potentially affecting the entire plant. If you received moneywort grown emersed (above water), expect some leaf melt during the transition to submersed growth. This is normal – the plant will quickly produce new underwater-adapted leaves.
Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle using clean, sharp scissors. This angled cut increases surface area for root development and makes insertion into substrate easier. If stems are longer than 8 inches, consider cutting them in half to create more plants and encourage bushier growth.
Planting Technique
Plant moneywort stems individually rather than in bunches. Bunching causes the inner stems to shade each other and can lead to decay at the base. Space stems 1-2 inches apart to allow light penetration and water flow between them. This spacing might look sparse initially, but moneywort fills in quickly.
Insert each stem 2-3 inches deep into the substrate. In loose substrates like sand, you might need to plant deeper initially. Use planting tweezers for precise placement, especially in established tanks where you're working around other plants. Gently push surrounding substrate against the stem base to secure it.
Initial Care After Planting
Keep lighting reduced for the first week after planting to minimize stress while roots develop. If you have adjustable lighting, run it at 50-70% intensity. This also reduces the chance of algae taking advantage of the disturbed substrate and new plant surfaces.
Avoid heavy water changes or substrate vacuuming near newly planted moneywort for at least two weeks. The developing roots are fragile and easily dislodged. If stems float up despite proper planting depth, you can temporarily weigh them down with plant weights or small rocks until roots establish.
Essential Moneywort Care Requirements: Long-term Success
Once established, moneywort requires minimal maintenance compared to demanding stem plants. However, understanding its nutritional needs and growth patterns helps maintain healthy, attractive growth long-term.
Fertilization Strategy
Moneywort isn't a heavy feeder, but it responds well to consistent fertilization. In low-tech setups without CO2, dose a comprehensive liquid fertilizer once or twice weekly. I use half the recommended dose of any standard aquarium plant fertilizer with good results. Key nutrients include nitrogen (1-5 ppm weekly), phosphorus (0.1-0.5 ppm weekly), and potassium (5-10 ppm weekly).
Iron deficiency shows as yellowing new growth while old leaves remain green. Adding an iron supplement or increasing your trace element dosing usually resolves this within a week. Potassium deficiency causes pinholes in older leaves – a common issue in soft water tanks.
For those interested in maximizing growth, CO2 injection isn't necessary but does accelerate growth rate by 50-100%. If you add CO2, increase fertilization proportionally to match the faster growth. Without adequate nutrients, CO2-enriched moneywort quickly depletes available resources and develops deficiency symptoms.
Trimming and Pruning
Regular trimming keeps moneywort looking its best and promotes bushy growth. When stems reach the water surface, cut them back to half their height. Always cut just above a leaf node – the plant will produce two new shoots from this point, creating a fuller appearance.
You can replant the trimmed tops as new plants, effectively doubling your moneywort over time. I trim my moneywort every 3-4 weeks in CO2-injected tanks and every 6-8 weeks in low-tech setups. Remove any leaves showing algae growth or damage during trimming sessions.
Seasonal Adjustments
Moneywort growth varies seasonally even in controlled indoor environments. Growth naturally slows during winter months, requiring less frequent trimming and fertilization. Reduce feeding by 30-50% from November through February to prevent nutrient buildup.
Summer brings faster growth but also increased algae risk. Maintain consistent CO2 levels if injecting, and consider adding a cleanup crew of floating plants to help control excess nutrients during peak growth periods.
Moneywort Propagation Methods: Multiply Your Plants
Propagating moneywort is straightforward and rewarding. A single stem can produce dozens of new plants over several months with proper technique.
Stem Cutting Method
The primary propagation method involves taking stem cuttings. Cut healthy stems into 3-4 inch sections, ensuring each piece has at least 4-6 leaves. Remove the bottom pair of leaves to create a planting area. These cuttings root within 5-7 days in good conditions.
For faster rooting, float cuttings for a few days before planting. Floating stems often develop visible root buds at leaf nodes, indicating they're ready for planting. This method works particularly well in summer when growth rates peak.
Side Shoot Development
Moneywort naturally produces side shoots when topped or damaged. After trimming the main stem, watch for new growth emerging from leaf nodes. Once side shoots reach 2-3 inches, carefully separate them from the parent plant and replant. This method produces bushier, more compact plants compared to top cuttings.
Emersed Propagation
Growing moneywort emersed (above water) accelerates propagation. Set up a container with 2-3 inches of water and aquarium soil. Plant stems so leaves remain above water. Cover with clear plastic to maintain humidity for the first week. Emersed moneywort grows 2-3 times faster than submersed and produces stronger stems ideal for replanting in aquariums.
Common Moneywort Problems and Solutions
Even hardy plants like moneywort occasionally face challenges. Recognizing problems early and understanding their causes leads to quick resolution.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves typically indicate nutrient deficiency. If new growth yellows while old leaves remain green, suspect iron deficiency. Add chelated iron and watch for improvement within a week. When old leaves yellow first, nitrogen deficiency is likely. Increase your fertilizer dosing or add a nitrogen supplement.
Sometimes yellowing occurs naturally as leaves age. If only the lowest leaves yellow while new growth looks healthy, simply remove the old leaves during maintenance. This is normal, especially in densely planted areas with limited light penetration.
Melting and Decay
Sudden melting usually happens when moneywort transitions from emersed to submersed growth. The emersed leaves aren't adapted to underwater conditions and decompose. Remove melting leaves promptly to prevent water quality issues. New submersed growth should appear within a week.
Base rot occurs when stems are planted too densely or substrate stays too anaerobic. If stem bases turn black and mushy, immediately remove affected plants, trim away damaged portions, and replant healthy tops in fresh locations with better water flow.
Slow or Stunted Growth
When moneywort stops growing despite adequate light, check CO2 levels (if injecting) and fertilization. In low-tech tanks, slow growth often indicates insufficient nutrients. Start with increased nitrogen and potassium, as these mobile nutrients often limit growth in established tanks.
Temperature extremes also stunt growth. Verify your heater functions properly and maintains consistent temperature. Moneywort nearly stops growing below 64°F and suffers stress above 82°F.
Algae on Leaves
Algae growing on moneywort leaves indicates excess light or nutrients. Reduce photoperiod to 6-7 hours temporarily and decrease fertilization. Add algae-eating inhabitants like otocinclus catfish or amano shrimp for biological control. Severely affected leaves won't recover – remove them to improve appearance and reduce algae spread.
Green spot algae specifically suggests low phosphate levels. Counterintuitively, adding phosphate often resolves this issue. Dose 0.5-1 ppm phosphate weekly until green spot algae stops forming on new growth.
Best Companion Plants for Moneywort
Choosing appropriate tank mates enhances moneywort's appearance while creating balanced, natural-looking aquascapes. Consider growth rates, nutrient requirements, and visual contrast when selecting companions.
Compatible Stem Plants
Pair moneywort with other easy stem plants for a lush background. Pogostemon species complement moneywort's round leaves with their serrated foliage. Rotala rotundifolia adds color variation with its pink tips under good lighting. These plants share similar care requirements, simplifying maintenance.
For contrast, combine moneywort with needle-leaf plants like Myriophyllum or Cabomba. The textural difference creates visual interest while maintaining similar growth rates and care needs.
Foreground Companions
Low-growing plants provide excellent foreground contrast to moneywort's vertical growth. Monte Carlo creates a bright green carpet that highlights moneywort's darker foliage. Marsilea hirsuta offers unique clover-like leaves that complement moneywort's round foliage.
Plants to Avoid
Avoid pairing moneywort with aggressive growers like hornwort or water wisteria in small tanks. These plants will outcompete moneywort for nutrients and light. Similarly, demanding plants requiring high CO2 and intense light might struggle alongside moneywort's modest requirements, leading to imbalanced growth and maintenance challenges.
Medicinal Properties and Traditional Uses
While we focus on cultivation, understanding moneywort's traditional uses adds appreciation for this remarkable plant. Bacopa monnieri has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years, primarily for cognitive enhancement and stress reduction.
Modern research from institutions like Purdue University and the University of Montana has validated several traditional uses. Studies show potential benefits for memory, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects. The plant contains active compounds called bacosides, concentrated in the leaves.
If you're interested in these properties, only use properly identified Bacopa monnieri from reputable sources. Never consume aquarium plants treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Consult healthcare providers before using any herbal supplements, as moneywort can interact with certain medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moneywort Care
Can moneywort grow without CO2?
Yes, moneywort grows perfectly well without CO2 injection. I've maintained beautiful moneywort in low-tech tanks for years. Growth is slower without CO2 – expect 1-2 inches monthly versus 3-4 inches with injection – but the plant remains healthy and attractive. Many aquarists prefer the slower growth as it means less frequent trimming.
Why are my moneywort leaves turning brown?
Brown leaves usually indicate either natural aging or nutrient deficiency. Old leaves naturally brown and should be removed during maintenance. If newer leaves brown, check for potassium deficiency (brown leaf edges) or excessive light causing algae growth. Reduce lighting intensity and ensure adequate fertilization to resolve these issues.
How often should I trim moneywort?
Trimming frequency depends on growth rate and tank aesthetics. In high-tech setups with CO2, trim every 2-3 weeks to maintain shape. Low-tech tanks typically need trimming every 4-6 weeks. Always trim when stems reach the water surface to prevent shading lower portions and maintain bushy growth.
Can moneywort grow in cold water?
Moneywort tolerates cold water better than most tropical aquarium plants. It survives temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) though growth nearly stops. For active growth, maintain temperatures above 64°F (18°C). This cold tolerance makes moneywort suitable for unheated indoor aquariums and outdoor ponds in temperate climates.
Is moneywort safe for goldfish and plant-eating fish?
Moneywort's slightly bitter taste deters most plant-eating fish. Goldfish might nibble new growth but rarely destroy established plants. The fast growth rate usually outpaces minor herbivory. For determined plant-eaters like silver dollars or large plecos, moneywort won't survive long-term without protection.
How do I transition moneywort from emersed to submersed growth?
Expect significant leaf melt when transitioning emersed-grown moneywort to underwater growth. This is normal and not cause for concern. Remove melting leaves promptly to maintain water quality. New submersed-adapted leaves will emerge within 7-10 days. Reduce lighting during transition to minimize stress and algae risk.
Can I grow moneywort in a bowl without filtration?
Moneywort works well in filterless bowls and vases with regular water changes. Its nutrient-absorbing properties actually help maintain water quality. Change 50% of water weekly and position the bowl in bright, indirect light. Add a few trumpet snails to control algae and provide trace nutrients through their waste.
What's the difference between moneywort and pennywort?
While both have round, coin-like leaves, they're different plants. Moneywort (Bacopa monnieri) has opposite leaves and white flowers. Pennywort (Hydrocotyle species) has leaves on individual stems like umbrellas and grows horizontally. Pennywort requires higher light and spreads aggressively, while moneywort grows more predictably upward.
Final Thoughts on Growing Moneywort Successfully
After years of growing moneywort in various setups, I can confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a reliable, attractive aquarium plant. Its adaptability to different conditions, moderate growth rate, and minimal care requirements make it ideal for both beginners taking their first steps into planted aquariums and experienced aquarists wanting low-maintenance background plants.
The key to success with moneywort lies in understanding its basic needs without overcomplicating care. Provide moderate light, occasional fertilization, and regular trimming, and this plant will reward you with consistent, healthy growth. Whether you're setting up your first planted tank or adding to an established low-light aquascape, moneywort proves that beautiful aquarium plants don't require complicated care or expensive equipment.
Remember that every tank is unique, and what works in one setup might need adjustment in another. Start with the guidelines in this article, then fine-tune based on your specific conditions. With patience and observation, you'll soon discover the perfect balance for growing lush, vibrant moneywort in your aquarium.
