Bacopa Caroliniana 'Yellow Flame'

Bacopa caroliniana 'Yellow Flame' is an exceptionally rugged, slow-growing aquatic stem plant prized for its rubbery, thick leaves and vibrant color gradients. Selectively bred to highlight intense golden, yellow, and reddish hues at its tips, it serves as a robust background or midground choice for aquariums, indoor basins, and outdoor ponds. It is widely celebrated by hobbyists as a "goldfish-proof" and "cichlid-proof" plant due to its thick, durable texture that deters destructive fish.

Core Specifications

Plant Type: Stem plant

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Placement: Midground to background

Height: 10 to 30+ cm (can exceed a foot in large setups)

Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C); can tolerate freezing cold temperatures outdoors

pH Range: 6.5–7.5

Key Care & Requirements

Lighting & Color Transformation: It scales its aesthetic based on your light output. Under lower light conditions, it maintains a pale green hue. Under medium to high lighting, it rewards you with golden-yellow tips and distinct reddish-pink flame highlights.

Substrate & Nutrients: While it can survive in low-tech environments, it relies heavily on root nutrients. Feeding it with a rich substrate or root tabs allows its thick root system to anchor firmly and feed aggressively.

CO2 Injection: Not strictly required. It thrives well in low-tech tanks, making it highly accessible for beginners.

Propagation: Extremely simple. Simply cut the top portion of a healthy stem and push it back into the substrate; it will quickly establish a brand new root system.

Unique Advantages

Durable Ecosystem Barrier: Its thick, rubbery leaves make it highly resistant to the constant pecking of goldfish, axolotls, and active cichlids.

Biofilm & Foraging Base: It creates a stable, sturdy surface area for beneficial biofilm growth, providing an ideal natural foraging ground for shrimp, snails, and newly hatched fish fry.