Ampellus bacopa

Bacopa is an ornamental perennial plant that pleases gardeners with its flowering from early spring to mid-autumn. South Africa is considered its birthplace, so it prefers a warm climate. This plant has several names, including suter, vasor and bluetopia. Bacopa is most often grown from seeds, it is quite unpretentious and effectively decorate any area.

Bacopa: growing from seed at home

The main method of growing Bacopa is seed reproduction. The substrate for the plant is chosen to be slightly acidic and loose - the optimum soil is recommended to be made from peat and ordinary ground from a vegetable garden, adding a little sand and humus. This tropical flower grows better if it is provided with good drainage (it fits to the bottom of the pot). For additional loosening use perlite or vermiculite.

Sowing seeds is best done in February. They are not sunk into the soil, but slightly trampled into a wet substrate. For germination bacopa need bright lighting and high humidity. Humidity is created by covering the pot with seeds with polyethylene or glass. The temperature mode is provided within 20 degrees, at lower temperatures, the seeds may not germinate.

For the first seeds to sprout, it takes 2 weeks. Do not forget to moisten the soil from time to time, but do not overdo it with watering. When the first leaves appear, the seedlings can be swooped down (this must be done 2 times). The first pick is carried out at a distance of 2-3 cm, removing weak sprouts, and after the 2nd transplant, you can temper the bacopa by periodically changing the temperature. During the day cultivation is carried out at a temperature of 16-25 degrees, and at night it is lowered to 13 degrees. Hardening is necessary for the plant to make it easier to adapt to changes in temperature and weather in growing outdoors. Bacopa seeds can survive for about 2 years. At the stage of picking, the plant requires mineral nitrogenous fertilizers (1/2 of the norm).

Ampellus bacopa: landing and care

Bacopa belongs to the birdwort plants and has about 120 varieties, including Bacopa bluetopia and Bacopa snowtopia, the cultivation, planting and care of which are also available in the middle belt. Most of its species originate from South Africa, but it also grows in America, the Canaries, and North India, where it is most often found in wetlands. Fans of breeding aquarium fish and garden ponds, the most famous Caroline species of plants. Bacopa is quite small, with drooping shoots, sprinkled with pretty flowers, which can be of different colors. It is a rather light-loving, moisture-loving and heat-loving plant. Despite its preferences, it is considered unpretentious and easy to maintain. Culture is hardy enough and can grow in almost any soil, although it is more suitable for drained, loose, fertile and slightly acidic soil.

Note that Bacopa likes bright but diffused lighting and very frequent watering. Do not let the soil dry out and stagnate the water, otherwise it will die. In addition to watering the plant "will say" Thank you for spraying. Although in the shade it will also grow normally, but in this case it will develop more leaves, but not flowers.

Do not forget about top dressing (preferably liquid), which is introduced in the period of spring-autumn every 14 days. When transplanting into the open ground, Bacopa will delight you with its bloom from June to September. It perfectly tolerates temperature fluctuations, but in the winter time it is better to transport the bakopa into the room (on the balcony or greenhouse, for example). In winter, the plant sleeps, so watering is reduced. In warm and dry areas, the flower infects a spider mite, tryy or whitefly, and when the bush thickens - mold fungi. With the defeat of pests or diseases, be sure to treat bacopu insecticides according to the instructions.

Bacopa - a beautiful ornamental plant that looks great in vases, flowerpots, balconies and land plantings. Many gardeners grow Bacopa along with other plants (lobelia, petunias, nasturtiums, etc.), creating incredibly colorful compositions. Planting and growing this plant is an easy task that any newcomer to gardening can handle.