Dying Bacopa plants

[SuePearce]

I bought 10 bacopa plants a few months ago & they thrived for some time, producing lots of mauve flowers. Recently 2 looked like the leaves were shrivelling up & going brown. The result was 2 dead bacopa plants. Now it looks like 2 more are following in the same pathway. Any ideas? I’ve attached photos of a healthy plant plus one on its way to dying plus a dead one. 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @SuePearce 

Merry  xmas morning to you,

The  plants look healthy  enough apart from the dying bit.

We have one  growing ok in dappled  shade.

I would try environmental  changes water them in  the evening after the suns heat drops off  try shading one as test shade cloth from hot  sun and winds if this is happening.

I might put a shovel in under one of the sick  ones and lift the root ball trying not to disturb the plant to much I would  be looking for the white curl grubs that love eating tender young roots

A seasol tonic might perk them up at  least wont hurt  them.

Hope they flowering again soon.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @SuePearce. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Bacopa care.

Since your Bacopa plants started off strong but are now struggling, the decline can often be traced back to growing conditions and care. The symptoms you’ve described—shriveling leaves and browning—could result from several factors. To help pinpoint the cause, it would be helpful to know more about your watering regime, soil quality, and the amount of sunlight they receive. 

Bacopa thrives in consistently moist soil but can suffer from overwatering or underwatering, so it’s important to strike the right balance. Additionally, they prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter, as poor drainage could lead to root rot, while nutrient-poor soil might affect their health. Sunlight is another key factor; knowing how much sun they get and at what time of day could help identify if they are getting too much direct heat or not enough light. If you can provide more details about these aspects, we’ll be able to offer more specific advice to help your plants recover.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[SuePearce]

It’s unusual that of the 9 plants, number 7 has died, number 6 is well on its way to dying and 5 & 9 don’t look good. They’re planted in a line at the front of a new garden. There are also 3 smallish magnolia gems plus 4 star jasmine at the back on a trellis and they’re all thriving. The bed has all day sun, is watered every couple of days when the temperature is hot but soil quality might not be so good. We added organic matter & compost when we made the bed but soil wasn’t good to start with. The question is why are all the other plants surviving & these few bacopa are not.

[MitchellMc]

It’s not uncommon for only a few plants in a line to struggle while the others thrive @SuePearce. This could be due to several factors, such as variations in soil quality or drainage in those particular spots. Poor drainage could lead to water pooling around the roots of the affected Bacopa plants, causing root rot, while a lack of moisture retention could leave them too dry between waterings. Another possibility is that these plants were weaker to begin with, making them less able to cope with environmental stress.

Your watering schedule of every couple of days is good, but it might not be enough during hot weather, especially in full sun. Bacopa is sensitive to drying out, and in temperatures over 35°C, even a single day without sufficient water can cause severe stress. Instead of watering on a set schedule, it’s better to check the soil moisture regularly. Water deeply whenever the topsoil begins to dry out, ensuring the water penetrates deeply enough to reach the roots.

You might also want to revisit the soil conditions. While adding organic matter and compost initially was a great step, those specific areas might benefit from additional amendments to improve soil structure and moisture retention. Mulching the bed with organic mulch can also help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing stress on the plants.

Lastly, consider whether there are any external factors affecting those specific plants, such as reflected heat from a nearby surface, competition from tree roots, or pest activity. Addressing these potential issues, along with watering and soil adjustments, should give your other Bacopa the best chance to thrive.

Mitchell

[SuePearce]

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I will follow up.