- Sku: 8807580
- Vendor: Squeaky's Aquatics
Bacopa Compact White (Bacopa caroliniana 'Compacta White')
Your order is reserved — we hold off on bagging until you arrive, so it stays healthy in its display tank.
Bacopa Compact White (Bacopa caroliniana 'Compacta White') is a rare, pearl-white stem plant that brings a bright pop of contrast to any planted aquarium. Its dense, bushy stems are packed with small, rounded leaves that range from pale green to creamy white under good lighting — an eye-catching alternative to the usual greens. This is a beginner-friendly plant that rewards a little extra light, and it ships as a sterile tissue culture portion, so it arrives snail-, algae-, and pest-free.
Browse the rest of our live freshwater plants to build out the perfect aquascape.
Care Guide
- Lighting: Medium to high. Bright, consistent light is what brings out the signature pale, pearl-white coloration and keeps growth tight and compact.
- CO₂: Not required, but injected CO₂ noticeably improves color, density, and growth — recommended for show tanks.
- Placement: Midground to background. The compact, upright habit also works beautifully in nano and aquascaped layouts.
- Growth rate: Moderate. Trim the tops regularly to encourage a fuller, bushier shape and replant cuttings to spread it through your scape.
- Substrate & nutrients: A nutrient-rich substrate or a regular column fertilizer keeps the white foliage strong; iron in particular helps hold the pale coloring.
- Planting: Gently separate the tissue-culture portion into small bunches, rinse off the gel, and plant individual stems an inch or so apart.
Specifications
| Scientific name | Bacopa caroliniana 'Compacta White' |
| Common name | Bacopa Compact White |
| Type | Stem plant (tissue culture) |
| Care level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Lighting | Medium to High |
| CO₂ | Optional, beneficial |
| Placement | Midground to background |
| Temperature | 68–82°F (20–28°C) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | 2–15 dGH (soft to moderately hard) |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings / trimming |
Aquascaping & Companions
Bacopa Compact White's pale tones make a striking backdrop or accent against darker, leafier plants. Pair it with a textured midground like Hygrophila Pinnatifida, low-growing Bucephalandra 'Kapuas Brownie Ghost', lush Christmas Moss, or a layer of Red Root Floater up top.
It's completely fish-safe and pairs well with peaceful community fish, shrimp, and snails. A small cleanup crew — like nerite snails or other freshwater invertebrates — helps keep the leaves clean and algae-free.
Recommended Plants & Supplies
- Aquaforest AF Iron Boost — iron supplement that helps hold the pale, white coloration
- TOM Aquatic Gardener Trimmer & Grabber — for clean trims and easy replanting
- More live freshwater plants to fill out your aquascape
- Freshwater cleanup crew — snails and shrimp to keep leaves spotless
FAQ
Why are the leaves white instead of green?
That pearl-white coloration is the whole appeal of this variety. Strong lighting (and CO₂, if you run it) keeps the color bright; under low light it will lean more pale green.
Do I need CO₂ to grow it?
No — it will grow without CO₂, but injected CO₂ gives the best color, density, and compact form. It's a great pick for a high-tech tank but still manageable in a well-lit low-tech setup.
What does "tissue culture" mean?
It's grown in a sterile lab cup, so it arrives free of snails, algae, and pests — ideal for show tanks. Just rinse off the gel and plant the individual stems.
Where do I plant it?
Midground to background works best. Its upright, compact growth also looks great in nano and aquascaped layouts.
Have a question?
Bacopa Compact White (Bacopa caroliniana 'Compacta White')
