Glossostigma Elatinoides

Introduction

This plant has suffered from bad reputation all these years. A lot of people stay away from this plant thinking it is far too demanding for their liking but of all the popular hi-light carpeting plants this would be the least demanding. First popularized by the late Takashi Amano, this plant coming from the marshes of Australia and New Zealand will happily grow in mud for as long as it receives full sun. It will form green matt in your aquarium readily. Its leaves are slightly bigger that those of Monte Carlo and it has a somewhat different growth pattern than Monte Carlo and Hemianthus Callitrichoides “Cuba”. 

Lighting

As previously mentioned Glossostigma loves the light. This should be the number on factor consider when using this plant in aquascaping. Unlike Hemianthus Callitrichoides “Cuba” which is quick to die and float if not provided sufficient light, Glossostigma Elatinoides will behave more like a stem plant and grow vertically instead of horizontally. This would be the number one sign that the tank is not receiving enough light. With sufficient lighting Glossostigma is quick to carpet. 

CO2 injection

Glossostigma’s requirements are just like any other carpeting plant that loves strong lighting. Provide sufficient CO2 supplementation and it will reward the aquarium with a lush, green carpet in as fast as 2 months or even less. 

Water Parameters

This plant appreciates slightly acidic to neutral PH. Temperature should be around 20-28 degrees Celsius. Keep TDS around 80-150 for dissolution of CO2 and nutrients.

Planting and Placement

Glossostigma Elatinoides is a fast-growing carpeting plant and it plays the role beautifully. Plant Glossostigma together with some fast-growing carpeting plants for a natural effect. It can be planted with Hairgrass, Monte Carlo, or Hemianthus Callitrichoides Plant Glossostigma with plants that have similar growth rates otherwise it can quickly cover and outcompete a slow grower.

Maintenance

Provided the right parameters and this plant will take over the aquarium in a matter of weeks. Leave it unchecked and untrimmed and the aquarium will end up with a 3 or 4 inch carpet. It has not been known for the undergrowth to die off though and hard trimming is not a problem but that is not an excuse to miss out on trimming is not a problem but that is not an excuse to miss out on trimming. Regular trimming is advised to maintain that green carpet. 

This plant has not been known to be too demanding when it comes to nutrients. Just make sure a dosing schedule is followed to avoid the risk of any nutrient deficiencies.