Glossostigma care guide
Glossostigma elatinoides · Phrymaceae
Glossostigma (Glossostigma elatinoides) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Phrymaceae family. It is native to South-eastern Australia (New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania) & New Zealand. It needs high light. Water temperature: 20°C – 26°C. pH: 5.0 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Difficult. Growth rate: fast when conditions are right (tropica rates it slow to moderate).
How do you care for Glossostigma?
| Light | High (at least about 0.5 W/L; shaded or in weak light it grows upward instead of creeping) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Strongly recommended – high demand (sources range from about 15 to 40 mg/l) |
| Temperature | 20°C – 26°C |
| pH | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Foreground carpet with round leaves |
| Growth | Fast when conditions are right (Tropica rates it slow to moderate) |
| Difficulty | Difficult |
| Family | Phrymaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Glossostigma?
Trim the runners and thick overlapping layers and replant the pieces; propagate from runners, daughter plants or division. In weak light it grows upright instead of carpeting.
What problems affect Glossostigma?
Grows tall and upright in low light or shade; yellowing and early leaf drop from nitrogen shortage; stunted growth and darker leaves from phosphate shortage; transparent spots on leaves from iron shortage.
How do you fix Glossostigma problems?
Strong, unshaded light and plenty of CO₂; dose nitrate, phosphate and iron when short. Plant small, spaced clumps (Tropica: about 1/8 of a pot each; Flowgrow: 3–4 stems) in fine, nutrient-rich soil.
Where does Glossostigma come from?
South-eastern Australia (New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania) & New Zealand · Biotope regions: Australia, South-east Asia.
Sources
- Glossostigma elatinoides (Benth.) Hook.f. — Kew – Plants of the World Online
- Glossostigma elatinoides — Flowgrow aquatic plant database
- Glossostigma elatinoides – plant details — Tropica
- Glossostigma — Aquarium and Pond Plants of the World (USDA/idtools)
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
Which aquascapes and tanks use Glossostigma?
- Balancing light, CO₂ and fertiliser in a planted tank
- Iwagumi aquascape: stones, plants and setup
- Nature Aquarium style: layout rules and setup
- Wabi-kusa: how to make and grow an emersed plant ball
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides