Glossostigma elatinoides (Glosso)
The quintissential and easiest carpeting plant in the hobby. Grows very dense and fast under the proper conditions. This plant is arguable singlehandedly responsible for the contemporary aquascaping aesthetic from Nature Aquariums to Iwagumi.
Glossostigma is easier, faster growing and spreads more consistently than many other similar carpeting options such as HC Cuba, 'Monte Carlo' or UG. If you want a thick, lush carpet plant that will fill your tank in mere weeks with sparkling, pearling green leaves. Glosso is absolutely the best way to go!
It is easy to see why this plant caused a revolution in aquascaping.
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Carpeting stem plant
Size: 2.5cm height, 5 - 10cm width
Position and Usage: Foreground, carpet
Growth Rate: Fast to Very fast
Lighting: 3/5-5/5
Water Conditions: pH 5-7, 22-33°C, soft to moderately hard water (adaptable)
CO2: Recommended
Propagation: Rapidly spreading runners
Special requirements: For maintaining the perfect carpet, regular nitrate, phosphate, iron and micronutrient supplementation is recommended for this fast growing, nutrient hungry plant. CO2 supplementation recommended especially for tall tanks. Shallower tanks with frequent water changes may not require additional CO2
Glossostigma elatinoides (Glosso)
Found in the bogs and swamps of Australia and New Zealand, Glossostigma elatinoides is a popular choice for the Japanese-inspired aquascape and is by a long shot, the easiest and fastest-growing "carpeting plant". It has very small, tongue-shaped leaves and is bright green in coloration. One of the smallest aquarium plants, a dense growth of Glosso is a magnificent sight. It is even more stunning because of it's tendency to produce oxygen bubbles on the leaf surfaces (pearling).
With adequate lighting and proper nutrient supplementation this plant will grow in thick across the substrate. Like all carpeting plants, taller plants should be supervised to ensure that they do not shade G. elatinoides, as inadequate lighting will result in sparse, upward growth. CO2 supplementation will promote runner development and result in much faster, thicker growth.
G. elatinoides should be trimmed to keep it short and dense. Trimming is easy and straightforward. This care will ensure that your plant is a neat addition to any tank, regardless of your aquascape’s size or design.
Great for nano tanks, perfect for huge display aquariums - Glosso is one of the best additions to really bring your tank to life and give it that beautiful "professional look" you might be looking for from master aquascapers!