Contents
Description
Glossostigma is a small, low-growing aquatic plant that is native to Australia and New Zealand. It is commonly used in aquariums as a foreground plant due to its small size and attractive appearance. The plant has small, oval-shaped leaves that grow in opposite pairs along delicate stems. It produces tiny, white or yellow flowers that bloom above the water’s surface. Glossostigma is a popular choice for aquascapes due to its ability to create a lush, green carpet effect.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Glossostigma |
Appearance
Glossostigma is a small, delicate plant that typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 centimeters. Its leaves are oval-shaped and grow in opposite pairs along thin stems that can reach up to 10 centimeters in length. The plant’s leaves are a bright green color and have a glossy, almost translucent appearance. Glossostigma produces small, white or yellow flowers that bloom above the water’s surface.
Care Guide
To care for Glossostigma, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips:- Water: Glossostigma requires clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers soft to moderately hard water.- Fertilization: Glossostigma benefits from regular fertilization with a complete aquarium plant fertilizer. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive.- Soil: Glossostigma does best in a nutrient-rich substrate, such as aquasoil or nutrient-rich sand. It does not require a deep substrate, as its roots are shallow.- Sunlight: Glossostigma requires moderate to high lighting. It should be placed in a well-lit area of the aquarium, but not in direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Glossostigma is a tropical plant and does best in temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Common Pests & Diseases
Glossostigma is generally a hardy plant and is not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases. However, there are a few issues to watch out for:- Algae: Glossostigma can be prone to algae growth if lighting and nutrient levels are not properly balanced. Regular water changes and the use of an algae inhibitor can help prevent this issue.- Snails: Some types of snails, such as the trumpet snail, can damage the leaves of Glossostigma. Manual removal or the use of a snail trap can help control this issue.
Habitat
Glossostigma is native to Australia and New Zealand, where it grows in shallow, slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds and streams. It prefers areas with soft, slightly acidic water and moderate to high lighting.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Glossostigma be grown emersed?
A: Yes, Glossostigma can be grown emersed if provided with adequate humidity and lighting.
Q: How often should I fertilize Glossostigma?
A: Glossostigma should be fertilized regularly with a complete aquarium plant fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Q: Can Glossostigma be grown in a low-tech aquarium?
A: Yes, Glossostigma can be grown in a low-tech aquarium, but it may not grow as quickly or vigorously as in a high-tech setup.
Q: How often should I trim Glossostigma?
A: Glossostigma should be trimmed regularly to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Trim as needed, but avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Related Plants
– Hemianthus callitrichoides (dwarf baby tears)- Eleocharis acicularis (dwarf hairgrass)- Marsilea hirsuta (dwarf clover)
References
– “Glossostigma elatinoides.” Tropica. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Glossostigmaelatinoides(022TC)/4442.- “Glossostigma elatinoides.” Aquarium Plants Factory. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.aquariumplantsfactory.com/glossostigma-elatinoides.html.- “Glossostigma elatinoides.” The Aquarium Guide. Accessed September 28, 2021. https://www.theaquariumguide.com/articles/glossostigma-elatinoides.
