Glossostigma elatinoides (In Vitro) - Australian tongue leaf
Glossostigma elatinoides (Australian tongue leaf) is undisputedly one of the most popular ground covers in natural aquaristics and was first made known in the 1980s by Takashi Amano. Under optimal light and nutrient conditions, this aquatic plant native to Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand forms dense, green carpets and is therefore particularly suitable for the effective design of the foreground and middle ground in the natural aquarium.
Glossostigma elatinoides in aquascaping - by far the most popular foreground plant
With its low growth height of a maximum of 3-5 cm, the Australian tongue-leaf has becomeGlossostigma elatinoidesquickly secured a place in the front grandstand of aquascapers. Takashi Amano in particular proved in the 80s that the use of this hitherto rather unknown ground cover has a lot of design potential.
Under good conditions Glossostigma elatinoides quickly forms dense and especially rich green carpets in the natural aquarium and spreads creeping and extensively with its side shoots. The light intensity should not fall below 0.5 watts per litre. The Australian reed thrives optimally with 1 watt and more per litre (strong light tank). Also the supply of CO2 is important for the care ofGlossostigma elatinoides indispensable. If the lighting is not sufficient, this stoloniferous plant tends to become stunted and grows upwards towards the light source. It is not uncommon for this very popular aquascaping ground cover to uproot itself and sprout.
Glossostigma elatinoides: Demanding ground cover with design potential
Besides sufficient lighting and Co2 addition, nitrate (5 mg/l or more), phosphate (0.5 mg/l or more) and sufficient iron are essential. In case of nitrate deficiency the leaves of Glossostigma elatinoides usually show a yellowish colouring and are dropped prematurely. Too little phosphate results in a dark green colouring. Iron deficiency is noticeable by transparent spots on the leaves of Glossostigma elatinoides. The supply of micronutrients is explicitly recommended here.
Glossostigma elatinoides correct use in the aquarium
Due to the filigree shoots, appropriate plant tweezers should be used when inserting Glossostigma elatinoides. A grouping of individual stems is recommended here, which are inserted at intervals of a few centimetres in the substrate. The stems should be placed completely in the substrate. Afterwards, the visible tip of the plant is freed a little so that it only protrudes minimally from the substrate. This prevents the freshly planted tongue leaf from floating up and allows it to grow better.Glossostigma elatinoides ideally grows together in the course of the next few weeks to form a dense carpet.
- Origin: New Zealand
- Type: Ground cover
- Growth: fast
- Height: 2 cm - 3 cm
- Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
- Light:
- CO2: 15-25 mg per litre
