Glossostigma elatinoides (ADA Tissue Culture)

Glossostigma elatinoides, commonly referred to as “Glosso,” is one of the most sought-after foreground plants in the aquascaping world. Known for its small, bright green leaves and its ability to create a dense, carpet-like effect, Glosso is a favorite among aquascapers aiming to achieve a lush, natural look in their aquariums. This plant’s low-growing habit makes it ideal for nano tanks, as well as larger planted setups where it can be used to cover the substrate beautifully.

Our Glossostigma elatinoides is packaged as a high-quality tissue culture, ensuring you receive a pest-free, algae-free, and healthy plant ready for immediate use in your aquascape. Tissue culture plants are propagated in sterile lab environments, making them an excellent choice for discerning aquarists who want the best start for their planted tank.

Care Guide

Tank Requirements

• Lighting: Glossostigma elatinoides requires high-intensity lighting (around 2-3 watts per gallon or 40-60 micromoles of PAR at substrate level) to thrive and maintain its compact, low-growing form. Without sufficient light, Glosso tends to grow vertically rather than horizontally, losing its carpet-like appearance.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended to support the growth of Glossostigma. Options like aqua soil, which is rich in nutrients, or a substrate with added root tabs, will help this plant develop a strong root system.
• CO2 Injection: CO2 supplementation is almost essential for this plant to achieve its full potential. While it can grow without CO2, the lack of it may result in slower growth and a less dense carpet. Aim for a CO2 concentration of around 20-30 ppm for optimal growth.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
  • pH: 5.0-7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH)

Planting and Preparation (Tissue Culture)

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container: Carefully open the tissue culture cup and remove the plant mass. It’s normal for the plant to have a gel-like substance around its roots, which is used to support the plant’s growth in the sterile environment.
2. Rinsing the Plant: Rinse the plant thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove the nutrient gel. This step is crucial because leaving the gel on can cause water quality issues in the aquarium. Gently separate the plant into small portions or individual plantlets, which will make it easier to plant in the substrate.
3. Planting: Using tweezers, carefully plant the small portions of Glossostigma elatinoides into the substrate. For a dense carpet, space the plantlets about 1 inch apart, pushing the roots gently into the substrate. Be sure not to bury the plant too deeply; only the roots should be below the substrate.
4. Initial Care: After planting, ensure the aquarium lighting is sufficient and CO2 levels are maintained. It’s also beneficial to start with shorter photoperiods (around 6-8 hours) to prevent algae growth while the plants establish themselves. Over time, you can gradually increase the light duration as the plants begin to spread and grow.

Maintenance

• Trimming: Regular trimming is essential to maintain a dense carpet. As Glossostigma grows, trim the tops and replant them if needed to encourage horizontal spreading and prevent the plant from growing too tall.
• Fertilization: Liquid fertilizers containing macro and micronutrients should be dosed regularly to ensure the plant receives sufficient nutrients, particularly if you’re using an inert substrate. Fertilization is especially important in a high-light, CO2-injected tank where plants grow rapidly.
• Water Changes: Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) are important to maintain water quality, especially in a high-tech planted tank with demanding plants like Glossostigma.

Propagation

Glossostigma elatinoides propagates naturally by sending out runners, which will grow new plantlets. These runners will spread across the substrate, eventually creating a full, lush carpet. If you wish to speed up the process, you can manually propagate the plant by cutting healthy stems and replanting them in the substrate.

Summary

Glossostigma elatinoides is a beautiful and rewarding foreground plant that, when given the right conditions, will create a stunning green carpet across the substrate of your aquarium. It’s a perfect choice for aquascapers looking to achieve a natural and cohesive look. While it does require high lighting, CO2, and nutrient-rich conditions, the results are well worth the effort.

Elevate your aquascape with the vibrant, dense growth of Glossostigma elatinoides and enjoy the lush green carpet it brings to your aquatic environment.