What does the scientific name Bacopa monnieri mean?

Bacopa: Genus name from botanical nomenclature monnieri: Species epithet describing a characteristic of the plant

Plant of the day

Bacopa monnieri

BrahmiEvergreen

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a herb belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, native to India. Known for its fragrant blooms. An excellent air purifier.

FamilyPlantaginaceae

GenusBacopa

NativeIndia

LifespanShort-lived Perennial

Stem Cuttings

high

Difficulty: easy. Duration: 4-6 weeks. Best season: Spring (Feb-Apr).

Select cutting

Step 1

Choose a healthy 15-20cm semi-woody stem with 3-4 leaf nodes.

Prepare

Step 2

Remove lower leaves. Cut just below a node at 45° angle.

Apply rooting hormone

Step 3

Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder or honey.

Plant

Step 4

Insert into moist perlite/cocopeat mix. Firm gently.

Humidity

Step 5

Cover with clear plastic bag or dome. Mist daily.

Root check

Step 6

Gently tug after 4 weeks. Resistance = roots formed.

Division

high

Difficulty: easy. Duration: Immediate. Best season: Spring (Feb-Apr).

Unpot

Step 1

Remove the parent plant from its pot.

Separate

Step 2

Gently tease apart root clumps into 2-4 sections.

Trim

Step 3

Remove dead roots and reduce foliage by ⅓.

Pot

Step 4

Plant each division in its own pot with fresh mix.

Water

Step 5

Water thoroughly and place in shade for a week.

Air Layering

high

Difficulty: medium. Duration: 6-8 weeks. Best season: Spring (Feb-Apr).

Choose branch

Step 1

Select a healthy pencil-thick branch.

Wound

Step 2

Make a 2cm ring cut, removing bark. Apply rooting hormone.

Wrap moss

Step 3

Pack moist sphagnum moss around wound.

Seal

Step 4

Wrap with cling film; secure both ends with twine.

Wait

Step 5

Check moss moisture weekly. Roots appear in 6-8 weeks.

Sever & pot

Step 6

Cut below roots, pot in fresh mix, water well.

TipObserve your plant regularly and adjust care according to your local climate and conditions.