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Description
Glossostigma Elatinoides, also known as “Glosso,” is a popular aquatic plant that is native to New Zealand, Tasmania, and southeastern Australia. It is a small, vibrant green plant that is often used in aquariums as a foreground plant due to its miniature size and its ability to spread quickly. Glosso is widely recognized for its unique appearance and its ability to create a carpet-like effect in aquariums.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Phrymaceae |
| Genus: | Glossostigma |
Appearance
Glosso is a small plant that can grow up to 2-3cm in height. Its leaves are small, bright green, and tongue-like in shape, measuring about 1-2cm in length. It grows rapidly, and under ideal conditions, it can form a dense carpet in just a few weeks. When grown in low light conditions, it tends to grow tall and spindly, with larger leaves and fewer stems.
Care Guide
To keep your Glosso healthy and thriving, you need to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and temperature.Water: Glosso requires clean and clear water to thrive. Change the water frequently to avoid any build-up of waste and toxins.Fertilization: Glosso requires a nutrient-rich substrate and regular fertilization to thrive. Use a quality fertilizer that contains iron, potassium, and other essential nutrients.Soil: Glosso requires a nutrient-rich substrate to grow properly. Use a substrate that is rich in iron and other essential nutrients.Sunlight: Glosso requires moderate to high levels of light to thrive. A minimum of 2 watts per gallon of water is recommended. Too much light can cause algae growth, while too little light can cause the plant to grow tall and spindly.Hardiness Zones: Glosso can be grown in hardiness zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Glosso is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, including snails, algae, and rot. Snails can be controlled by using snail traps or adding snail-eating fish to the aquarium. Algae can be controlled by reducing the amount of light, increasing water changes, and adding algae-eating fish. Rot can be prevented by maintaining clean water conditions and avoiding overcrowding in the aquarium.
Habitat
Glosso is a freshwater plant that is native to New Zealand, Tasmania, and southeastern Australia. It grows in shallow, slow-moving streams and rivers with rocky or sandy substrates.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Glosso be grown in brackish water?
A: No, Glosso is a freshwater plant and cannot be grown in brackish water.Q: Can Glosso be grown in cold water?
A: Glosso prefers warm water temperatures between 68-82°F but can tolerate cooler temperatures.Q: How often should I fertilize Glosso?
A: Glosso should be fertilized once a week with a quality fertilizer.Q: Can Glosso be grown emersed?
A: Yes, Glosso can be grown emersed, but it will grow slower and form larger leaves.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may also be interested in:- Hemianthus Callitrichoides (Dwarf Baby Tears)- Eleocharis Parvula (Dwarf Hair Grass)- Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis (Micro Sword)- Marsilea Hirsuta (Four Leaf Clover)
References
– “Glossostigma elatinoides.” Aquarium Plants. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://www.aquariumplants.com/glossostigma-elatinoides/.- “Glossostigma elatinoides.” Tropica. Accessed September 8, 2021. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Glossostigmaelatinoides(025TC)/4467.
