Glossostigma elatinoides

Scientific name: Glossostigma elatinoides

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 1 - 2 cm (0.39 - 0.79 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.8 - 7.2

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 8°N (71.43 - 142.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 26 °C (68 - 78.8°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Runners

Origin (in the wild): Oceania

How fast these plants grow: Fast

Recommended substrate: Gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Foreground

Common Name

Glosso

Origin

Oceania; they are found in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.

Propagation

This plant will send out runners from the mother plant forming a rich green carpet over the substrate. It can spread quite quickly if given the right conditions and may need trimming back after a while. To provide quicker coverage in the aquarium, individual stems can be broken away from the mother plant and planted individually making sure that each stem has some root growth on it. Secure the stem into the substrate making sure that all of the roots are covered and that the stem is protected.

Difficulty

Medium

Short Description

This plant is definitely a favourite in many of the planted set ups as it forms a rich green carpet. This is achieved if the lighting levels are high; if too low the plant will become long and leggy. Adding Iron into the substrate will benefit the growth. Initial planting should be in small clumps set quite close together and never plant this in the shade of other plants. They prefer acidic water and the addition of CO₂ will benefit these. Select the planting area carefully for the Glosso, it needs to be in the foreground of the aquarium and away from the shade of other foliage to ensure that it develops strong stems and benefits from the full lighting offered. Checking the leaves of this plant is a good guide to making sure that there is plenty of iron and nutrients in the water column and substrate. The leaves will become pale with a lack of nutrients, if they darken away from their normal colouration an iron supplement should be increased from the normal dosage as this will be lacking to the plant’s requirements.

Pruning this plant is very simple, they can be trimmed down with some hong handled scissors and this makes for good practice on a regular basis to keep the growth fresh and down to a healthy height.

A great plant for beginners to live plants and suitable for smaller aquariums as well!