Brahmi Plant Care
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bacopa monnieri, also known as water hyssop, brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, herb of grace, and Indian pennywort, is a perennial, creeping herb native to wetland areas globally.
Every 2–3 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Brahmi?
Water Brahmi every 2–3 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Brahmi?
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Bacopa genus. Brahmi is native to wetland areas globally. Brahmi is also known as Water Hyssop, Bacopa, Indian Pennywort.
Brahmi displays a trailing, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Brahmi produces small, five-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, or blue.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Brahmi?
Bacopa monnieri requires watering every 2–3 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 2–3 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Brahmi Need?
Brahmi thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Brahmi Prefer?
Bacopa monnieri grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Brahmi prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Brahmi?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Brahmi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Brahmi?
Feed Brahmi every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Brahmi?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Brahmi?
Brahmi can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water hyssop plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Brahmi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Brahmi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Brahmi?
Brahmi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Brahmi Need?
Brahmi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Brahmi is native to wetland areas globally. In cooler regions, grow Brahmi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Brahmi is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bacopa genus — compare its care with other Bacopa species on PlantoScan.
Bacopa is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.
Brahmi thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., family Plantaginaceae (first published in Nat. Pflanzenfam. 4(3b): 77 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Brahmi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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