Bakopa , also known assutera , is a creeping balcony plant that has a long flowering period and low cultivation requirements. Bakopa does not require strong sunlight and works well with other balcony plants. Get to know the most interestingvarieties of bacopaand the rules of their cultivation. We also advise you how to dobreeding bacopaon your own.
Bakopa, Sutera
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Bakopa - properties and application
Bakopa(Chaenostoma cordatum, syn. Sutera cordata, syn. Bacopa speciosa) is the common name for a balcony plant that has little in common with the actual bacopa (Bacopa monnieri). Various hybrid varieties of plants of the genus sutera and spleen (Chaenostoma) are sold under the trade name bakopa.
Sutera is one of the 60 speciesof the genus Scrophulariaceae. It comes from South Africa and is a delicate creeping plant, most often grown in ampls (hanging pots). Small, dark green, heart-shaped leaves grow on the delicate, brittle stems of bacopa. Small, round, five-lobed, blue,pink or white bacopa flowers appear in Mayand persist until frost. In our climatic conditions, these decorative perennials are grown as annuals, because wintering them does not make much sense.
Bakopa is one of the most valued potted plants Lush plants, sprinkled with flowers, are a spectacular decoration of any balcony throughout the summer. Bacopa is planted on its own or by creating flower arrangements on a balcony with species such as: lobelia, koleus, periwinkle, pelargonium or fuchsia.
Hybrid bacopa plants , grown on our balconies, are plants purely ornamental and must not be eaten under any circumstances. However, it is worth knowing that the realsmall-leaved bacopa(Bacopa monnieri) is an edible plant and has numerous he alth properties. Therefore, it is very important not to confuse these plants with each other.
Bakopa, Sutera
Fig. pixabay.com
Bakopa - varieties
Due to the great popularity, Bakopa has many varieties. Here are themost popular varieties of bakopy :
- white-flowered bakopy : Snowflake, Giant Snowflake, Great White, Abunde Gigant White, Cabana, Olympic Gold
- blue-flowered bakopy : Great Regal Blue, Blue Sensation, Bluetopia, Blue Showers
- violet-flowered bakopy : Bacoble, Great Deep Violet, Copa Dark Blue
- pink-flowered bakopy : Pink Domino, Great Rose, Snowstorm Pink Improved
The SuteraNovaseries is characterized by firm and strong stems and a very profuse flowering from spring to autumn. Compared to traditional bacopa varieties, the plants of the SuteraNova series have much larger flowers. They are recommended for semi-shaded positions.
Bakopa, sutera - cultivation
Bakopa feels good in light and semi-shaded placesDirect sunlight can burn delicate flowers and leaves of the basa. It is best to allocate fertile, garden soil with a slightly acidic reaction to bacopa. The plants are planted in the second half of May at a distance of 25x25 cm.
Bakopa has high water requirements and does not tolerate soil drying.Plants should be watered regularly as soon as the top layer of the substrate is slightly dry. We should watch out for water stagnation, because bacopa roots cannot stand excess moisture. The holes in the bottom of the pot and drainage in the form of expanded clay or small pebbles on the bottom of the pot will help to avoid this problem (facilitates drainage of excess water).
Bakopa, Sutera
Fig. pixabay.com
Avoid soaking the bacopa leavesas this plant is very susceptible to fungal diseases. It is best to use a watering can with a long spout for watering. To keep the water, it is worth mulching the soil in the pots.Pinching the tops of the basement shootsmakes the plants grow nicely and grow luxuriantly.
Bakopa, sutera - reproduction
Propagation of bacopa by sowing seeds- sowing bacopa seeds in February and March in boxes filled with soil for sowing seeds. When the seedlings produce 2-4 leaves, pick them into individual pots. In May, we plant the plants at their destination.
Propagation of bacopa by cuttings- at the end of the growing season, the most beautiful specimens of bacopa are moved to a cool room with access to light. At the end of winter, the plants are moved to room temperature (approx. 20 ° C), water more abundantly and start fertilizing. When the bakopa has sprouted new shoots, cut them off and cut them into cuttings. We place them in a fertile and well-drained seedling substrate and water them regularly. They should start to take root after 10-14 days.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
